The Vampire Diaries-12

Basedonthenovelsby
L.J.SMITH
andtheTVseriesdevelopedby
KevinWilliamson&JuliePlec
’Tisnowtheverywitchingtimeofnight,
Whenchurchyardsyawnandhellitselfbreathesout
Contagiontothisworld.NowcouldIdrinkhotblood
Anddosuchbitterbusinessastheday
Wouldquaketolookon.
—Hamlet,WilliamShakespeare
Contents
Cover
TitlePage
Epigraph
Preface
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Epilogue
BooksbyL.J.Smith
SneakPeekattheCraving
Preface
Chapter1
Chapter2
Copyright
AboutthePublisher
Preface
ThepoetsandphilosophersIoncelovedhaditwrong.Deathdoesnotcometousall,nordoesthepassageoftimedimourmemoriesandreduceourbodiestodust.BecausewhileIwasconsidereddead,andaheadstonehadbeenengravedwithmyname,intruthmylifewasjustbeginning.ItwasasifI’dbeenasleepthesemanyyears,slumberinginthedarkestnight,onlytoawaketoaworldthatwasbrighter,wilder,morethrillingthanI’deverimagined.
ThehumansIusedtoknowcontinuedtheirlives,justasIoncehad,spendingtheirfinitedaysgoingtothemarket,tendingthefields,stealingsecretkisseswhenthesunwentdown.Theyweremerelyshadowstomenow,nomoresignificantthanthefrightenedsquirrelsandrabbitsthatscamperedintheforest,barelyconsciousoftheworldaroundthem.
ButIwasnoshadow.Iwaswhole—andimpervioustotheirworstfear.Ihadconquereddeath.Iwasnofleetingvisitortotheworld.Iwasitsmaster,andIhadallofeternitytobendittomywill…
Chapter1
ItwasOctober.Thetreesofthecemeteryhadturnedadecayedbrown,andacoldbreezehadwhistledin,replacingthestiflingheatoftheVirginiasummer.NotthatImuchfeltit.Asavampire,mybodyregisteredonlythetemperatureofmynextvictim,warmedbytheanticipationofherhotbloodcoilingthroughmyveins.
Mynextvictimwasonlyafewfeetaway:achestnut-hairedgirlwhowascurrentlyclimbingoverthefenceoftheHartnettestate,whichranadjacenttothecemetery.
“ClementineHaverford,whateverareyoudoingoutofbedsolate?”Myplayfuldemeanorwasatoddswiththehot,heavythirstcoursingthroughme.Clementinewasnotsupposedtobehere,butMattHartnetthadalwaysbeensweetonher.AndeventhoughClementinewasengagedtoRandallHaverford,herCharleston-basedcousin,itwasclearthefeelingwasmutual.Shewasalreadyplayingadangerousgame.Littledidsheknowitwasabouttoturndeadly.
Clementinesquintedintothedarkness.Icouldtellfromherheavy-liddedexpressionandwine-stainedteeththatshe’dhadalongnight.“StefanSalvatore?”shegasped.“Butyou’redead.”
Itookastepclosertoher.“AmI,now?”
“Yes,Iattendedyourfuneral.”Shecockedherheadtotheside.Shedidn’tseemtooconcerned,though.Shewaspracticallysleepwalking,headyfromsipsofwineandstolenkisses.“Areyouadream?”
“No,notadream,”Isaidhuskily.
Igraspedherbytheshouldersandpulledherclosetome.Shefellagainstmychest,andthelouddrumofherheartbeatfilledmyears.Shesmelledofjasmine,justasshehadlastsummerwhenmyhandhadgrazedthebodiceofherdresswhileweplayedoneofDamon’skissinggamesundertheWickeryBridge.
Iranonefingeralonghercheek.Clementinehadbeenmyfirstcrush,andI’doftenwonderedwhatitwouldfeelliketoholdherlikethis.Iputmylipstoherear.“I’mmorelikeanightmare.”
Beforeshecouldmakeasound,Isankmyteethstraightintoherjugularvein,sighingwhenthefirststreamhitmymouth.Unlikewhathernamemightsuggest,Clementine’sbloodwasn’tnearlyassweetasI’dimagined.Insteadittastedsmokyandbitter,likecoffeeburnedoverahotstove.Still,Idrankdeeply,gulpingherdown,untilshestoppedgroaningandherpulseslowedtoawhisper.Shewentlimpinmyarms,andthefirethatburnedinmyveinsandmybellywasquenched.
AllweekI’dbeenhuntingatmyleisure,havingdiscoveredthatmybodyrequiredtwofeedingsaday.MostlyIjustlistenedtothevitalfluidcoursingthroughthebodiesoftheresidentsofMysticFalls,fascinatedbyhoweasilyIcouldtakeitfromthem.WhenIdidattack,I’ddonesocarefully,feedingonguestsattheboardinghouseortakingoneofthesoldiersupbyLeestown.Clementinewouldbemyfirstvictimwho’doncebeenafriend—thefirstvictimthepeopleofMysticFallswouldmiss.
Disengagingmyteethfromherneck,Ilickedmylips,allowingmytonguetosavorthespotofwetbloodatthecornerofmymouth.ThenIdraggedheroutofthecemeteryandbacktothequarrywheremybrother,Damon,andIhadbeenstayingsincewe’dbeenturned.
Thesunwasjustcreepingoverthehorizon,andDamonwassittinglistlesslyattheedgeofthewater,glancingintoitsdepthsasiftheyheldthesecrettotheuniverse.He’dbeenlikethateverydaysincewe’dwokenupasvampiressevendaysearlier,mourningthelossofKatherine,thevampirewho’dmadeusintowhatwearenow.Thoughshehadturnedmeintoapowerfulcreature,Icelebratedherdeath,unlikemybrother.Shehadplayedmeforafool,andthememoryofherremindedmeofhowvulnerableI’doncebeen.
AsIwatchedDamon,Clementinemoanedinmyarms,oneeyeflutteringopen.Wereitnotforthebloodseepingontothebluelacenecklineofherwrinkled,bluetulledress,itwouldseemasifsheweremerelyinslumber.
“Shhh,”Imurmured,tuckingafewloosestrandsofhairbehindherear.AvoicesomewhereinmymindtoldmethatIshouldfeelregretovertakingherlife,butIfeltnothingatall.Instead,Ireadjustedherinmyarms,tossingherovermyshoulder,asifsheweresimplyasackofoats,andwalkedtotheedgeofthewater.
“Brother.”IunceremoniouslydumpedClementine’snearlylifelessbodyathisfeet.
Damonshookhisheadandsaid,“No.”Hislipshadachalkywhitetexture.Bloodvesselstwisteddarklyonhisface;theylookedlikecracksinmarble.Intheweakmorninglight,helookedlikeoneofthebrokenstatuesinthecemetery.
“Youmustdrink!”Isaidroughly,pushinghimdown,surprisedatmyownstrength.Hisnostrilsflared.Butjustasitwastomine,thesmellofherbloodwasintoxicatingtohiswearybody,andsoonhislipsmetherskininspiteofhisprotestations.Hebegantodrink,slowlyatfirst,thenlappeduptheliquidasthoughhewereahorsedesperateforwater.
“Whydoyoukeepmakingmedothis?”heaskedplaintively,wipinghismouthwiththebackofhishandandwincing.
“Youneedtoregainyourstrength.”IproddedClementinewiththetipofmydirt-cakedboot.Shegroanedsoftly,somehowstillalive.Fornow,atleast.Butherlifewasinmyhands.Therealizationtrilledthroughme,asthoughmyentirebeingwereonfire.This—thehunt,theconquests,therewardofthepleasurablesleepinessthatalwaysfollowedafeeding—madeeternitystandbeforeusasanendlessadventure.Whycouldn’tDamonunderstand?
“Thisisn’tstrength.It’sweakness,”Damonhissed,risingtohisfeet.“It’shellonEarth,andnothingcouldbeworse.”
“Nothing?Wouldyouratherbedead,likeFather?”Ishookmyheadincredulously.“Youhaveasecondchance.”
“Ineveraskedforit,”Damonsaidsharply.“Ineveraskedforanyofthis.AllIwantedwasKatherine.She’sgone,sokillmenowandbedonewithit.”Damonhandedmeajaggedoakbranch.“Here,”hesaid,standingwithhisarmsopenwide,hischestexposed.Justonestroketohisheartandhe’dhavehiswish.
Memoriesflashedthroughmymind:ofKatherine,hersoft,darkcurls,herfangsbrightinthemoonlight,herheadarchedbackbeforeshebitintomyneck,herever-presentlapislazulipendantthatsatinthehollowofherneck.Inowunderstoodwhyshe’dkilledmyfiancée,Rosalyn,whyshe’dcompelledmeandDamon,whysheusedherbeautyandinnocentvisagetomakepeoplewanttotrustandprotecther.Itwashernature.Andnowitwasours.Butinsteadofacceptingitasagift,asIhad,Damonseemedtothinkitwasacurse.
Icrackedthebranchovermykneeandthrewtheshardsintotheriver.“No,”Isaid.ThoughI’dneveradmititaloud,thethoughtoflivingforeverwithoutafriendintheworldfrightenedme.IwantedDamonandItolearntobevampirestogether.
“No?”Damonrepeated,hiseyessnappingopen.“You’remanenoughtomurderanoldflame,butnotyourbrother?”Heshovedmetotheground.Heloomedaboveme,hisownfangsbared,thenspitonmyneck.
“Don’tembarrassyourself,”Isaid,scramblingtomyfeet.Hewasstrong,butIwasfarstronger,thankstomyregularfeedings.“Anddon’tfoolyourselfintothinkingKatherinelovedyou,”Igrowled.“ShelovedherPower,andshelovedwhatshecouldmakeusdoforher.Butsheneverlovedus.”
Damon’seyesblazed.Herushedtowardmewiththespeedofagallopinghorse.Hisshoulder,hardasstone,plowedintome,throwingmebackintoatree.Thetrunksplitwithaloudcrack.“Shelovedme.”
“Thenwhydidsheturnme,too?”Ichallenged,rollingtomyfeetasIrebuffedhisnextblow.
Thewordshadtheirdesiredeffect.Damon’sshoulderssagged,andhestaggeredbackward.“Fine.I’lljustdoitmyself,”hemurmured,grabbinganotherstickandrunningthesharpendalonghischest.
Islappedthestakeoutofhishandandtwistedhisarmsbehindhisback.“Youaremybrother—myfleshandblood.SolongasIstayalive,soshallyou.Now,come.”Ipushedhimtowardthewoods.
“Comewhere?”Damonaskedlistlessly,allowingmetodraghimalong.
“Tothecemetery,”Ianswered.“Wehaveafuneraltoattend.”
Damon’seyesregisteredadullsparkofinterest.“Whose?”
“Father’s.Don’tyouwanttosaygood-byetothemanwhokilledus?”
Chapter2
DamonandIcrouchedinthecemetery’shemlockgrovebehindthemausoleumsthathousedthebonesofMysticFalls’founders.Despitetheearlyhour,alreadythetownspeoplestoodstoop-shoulderedaroundagapingholeintheground.Puffsofaircurledintotheceruleanblueskywiththecrowd’severyexhalation,asiftheentirecongregationweresmokingcelebratorycigarsratherthantryingtocalmtheirchatteringteeth.
Myheightenedsensestookinthescenebeforeus.Thecloyingsmellofvervain—anherbthatrenderedvampirespowerless—hungheavyintheair.Thegrasswasladenwithdew,eachdropofwaterfallingtotheearthwithasilveryping,andfaroffinthedistancechurchbellschimed.Evenfromthisdistance,IcouldseeatearlodgedinthecornerofHonoriaFells’seye.
Downatthepulpit,MayorLockwoodshuffledfromfoottofoot,clearlyeagertogetthecrowd’sattention.Icouldjustmakeoutthewingedfigureabovehim,theangelstatuethatmarkedmymother’sfinalrestingplace.Twoemptyplotslayjustbeyond,whereDamonandIshouldhavebeenburied.
Themayor’svoiceslicedthroughthecoldair,hisvoiceasloudtomysensitiveearsasifhewerestandingrightnexttome.“WecometogethertodaytosayfarewelltooneofMysticFalls’greatestsons,GiuseppeSalvatore,amanforwhomtownandfamilyalwayscamebeforeself.”
Damonkickedtheground.“Thefamilyhekilled.Thelovehedestroyed,thelivesheshattered,”hemuttered.
“Shhh,”IwhisperedasIpressedmypalmagainsthisforearm.
“IfIweretopaintaportraitofthisgreatman’slife,”Lockwoodcontinuedoverthesnifflesandsighsofthecrowd,“GiuseppeSalvatorewouldbeflankedbyhistwofallensons,DamonandStefan,heroesofthebattleofWillowCreek.MaywelearnfromGiuseppe,emulatehim,andbeinspiredtoridourtownofevil,eitherseenorunseen.”
Damonletoutalow,rattlingscoff.“Theportraithepaints,”hesaid,“shouldcontainthemuzzleflashofFather’srifle.”HerubbedtheplacewhereFather’sbullethadrippedthroughhischestonlyaweekearlier.Therewasnophysicalwound—ourtransformationhealedallinjuries—butthebetrayalwouldbeetchedinourmindsforever.“Shhh,”IsaidagainasJonathanGilbertstrodeuptostandbesideMayorLockwood,holdingalargeveiledframe.Jonathanlookedtohaveagedtenyearsinsevenshortdays:linescreasedhistannedforehead,andstreaksofwhitewerevisibleinhisbrownhair.IwonderedifhistransformationhadsomethingtodowithPearl,thevampirehelovedbuthadcondemnedtodeathafterfindingoutwhatshereallywas.
IspottedClementine’sparentsinthecrowd,armsclasped,notyetawarethattheirdaughterwasnotamongthesomber-facedgirlsinthebackofthecrowd.
They’dfindoutsoonenough.
Mythoughtswereinterruptedbyaninsistentclicking,likeawatchcountingorafingernailtappingagainstahardsurface.Iscannedthecrowd,tryingtotracethetickingtoitspointoforigin.Thesoundwasslowandsteadyandmechanical,steadierthanaheartbeat,slowerthanametronome.AnditseemedtobecomingdirectlyfromJonathan’shand.Clementine’sbloodrushedtomyhead.
Thecompass.
BackwhenFatherfirstbecamesuspiciousofvampires,he’dcreatedacommitteeofmentoridthetownofthedemonicscourge.I’dattendedthemeetings,whichhadtakenplaceinJonathanGilbert’sattic.He’dhadplansforacontraptiontoidentifyvampires,andI’dwitnessedhimusingitinactiontheweekbefore.Itwashowhe’ddiscoveredPearl’struenature.
IelbowedDamon.“Wehavetogo,”Isaid,barelymovingmyjaw.
JustthenJonathanlookedup,andhiseyeslockeddirectlyontomine.
Heletoutanunholyshriekandpointedtoourmausoleum.“Demon!”
Thecrowdturnedtowardusasone,theirstarescuttingthroughthefoglikebayonets.Thensomethingrushedpastme,andthewallbehindmeexploded.Acloudofpowderbillowedaroundus,andchipsofmarbleslashedacrossmycheek.
Ibaredmyfangsandroared.Thesoundwasloud,primal,terrifying.Halfthecrowdknockedoverchairsintheirhastetofleethecemetery,buttheotherhalfremained.
“Killthedemons!”Jonathancried,brandishingacrossbow.
“Ithinktheymeanus,brother,”Damonsaidwithashort,humorlesslaugh.
AndsoIgrabbedDamonandran.
Chapter3
WithDamonbehindme,Iracedthroughtheforest,jumpingoverfelledbranchesandskippingoverstones.Ileapedoverthewaist-highirongateofthecemetery,turningbrieflytomakesureDamonwasstillfollowing.Wezigzaggeddeepintothewoods,thegunshotssoundinglikefireworksinmyear,theshrieksofthetownspeoplelikebreakingglass,theirheavybreathinglikelow-rollingthunder.Icouldevenhearthefootfallsofthecrowdpursuingme,eachstepsendingvibrationsthroughtheground.IsilentlycursedDamonforbeingsostubborn.Ifhe’dbeenwillingtodrinkbeforetoday,he’dbeatfullstrength,andournewfoundspeedandagilitywouldhavealreadytakenusfarawayfromthismess.
Aswecutthroughthethicket,squirrelsandvolesscatteredfromtheunderbrush,theirbloodquickeninginthepresenceofpredators.Awhinnyandasnortsoundedfromthefaredgeofthecemetery.
“Comeon.”IgrabbedDamonbythewaistandhoistedhimtohisfeetagain.“Wehavetokeepmoving.”Icouldhearthebloodpumping,smelltheiron,feelthegroundshaking.IknewthemobwasmoreafraidofmethanIofthem;butstill,thesoundofgunshotscausedmymindtowhirl,mybodytolurchforward.DamonwasweakandIcouldonlycarryhimsofar.
Anothergunshotcracked,closerthistime.Damonstiffened.
“Demons!”JonathanGilbert’svoiceslicedthroughthewoods.Anotherbulletwhizzedpastme,grazingmyshoulder.Damonfloppedforwardinmyarms.
“Damon!”Thewordechoedinmyears,soundingsomuchliketheworddemonthatitstartledme.“Brother!”Ishookhim,thenbeganawkwardlydragginghimbehindmeagaintowardthesoundsofthehorses.Butdespitehavingjustfed,mystrengthwouldn’tlastforever,andthefootstepswerecomingcloserandcloser.
Finallywereachedtheedgeofthecemetery,whereseveralhorsesweretiedtotheironhitchingposts.Theypawedattheground,pullingontheropesthattetheredthemsohardthattheirnecksbulged.Onecoal-blackmarewasnoneotherthanmyoldhorse,Mezzanotte.Istaredather,mesmerizedathowdesperatesheappearedtobetogetawayfromme.Justafewdaysearlier,Iwastheonlyridershe’dtrusted.
Footfallssoundedagain.Itoremygazeaway,shakingmyheadatbeingsosentimental.IpulledFather’soldhuntingknifefromthetopofmyboot.IthadbeentheonethingI’dtakenwhenI’dwalkedthroughVeritas,ourfamilyestate,onelasttime.He’dalwayshaditwithhim,althoughI’dneverseenhimuseit.Fatherhadneverbeenonetoworkwithhishands.Still,inmymind’seye,theknifeconveyedthepowerandauthoritythateveryonehadassociatedwithmyfather.
IputthebladetotheropethattiedMezzanotte,butitdidn’tmakeeventhesmallestcut.Lookingdown,Isawtheknifeforwhatitwas:adullbladethatcouldbarelycutthroughtwine,polishedtolookimportant.ItwaswellsuitedtoFather,Ithoughtindisgust,throwingtheknifetothegroundandyankingattheropeswithmybarehands.ThefootstepscamecloserandIlookedwildlybehindme.IhadwantedtofreeallthehorsessoJonathanandhismencouldn’tridethem,buttheresimplywasn’ttime.
“Hey,girl,”Imurmured,strokingMezzanotte’selegantneck.Shepawedthegroundnervously,herheartpounding.“It’sme,”IwhisperedasIswungmyselfontoherback.Sherearedup,andoutofsurprise,IkickedhersohardintheflanksthatIheardthesnapofaribbreaking.Instantly,sheyieldedinsubmission,andItrottedhertoDamon.
“Comeon,”Iyelled.
AflickerofdoubtpassedacrossDamon’seyes,butthenhereachedoverMezzanotte’sbroadbackandhoistedhimselfup.Whetheritwasfearorinstinct,hiswillingnesstofleegavemehopethathewasnotresolvedtodie,afterall.
“Killthem!”avoiceyelled,andsomeonethrewaburningtorchtowardusthatarcedandlandedonthegrassatMezzanotte’sfeet.Instantly,thegrassbegantoburn,andMezzanotteboltedintheoppositedirectionofthequarry.Hoofsthuddedbehindus—themenhadleapedontheotherhorsesandwerenowfastonourtail.
Anothergunshotrangoutbehindus,followedbythetwangofabow.Mezzanotterearedup,lettingoutahighwhinny.Damonslipped,grapplingtoholdontotheundersideofMezzanotte’sneck,whileItuggedattheleatherstraps,tryingtokeepusupright.OnlyafterafewstepsbackwarddidallfourofMezzanotte’shoovesgetbackonthedirt.AsDamonrightedhimself,Isawaslimwoodenarrowjuttingoutfromthehorse’shaunches.Itwasaclevertactic.Atadistance,themobhadafarbetterchanceofslowingdownourhorsethanofstrikingoneofusstraightthroughtheheart.
HunchedlowoverMezzanotte,wegallopedunderbranchesandpressedon.Shewasastronghorse,butshefavoredherleftside,wherethearrowhadgonein.Awetstreakofmyownbloodwasstreamingdownmytempleandontomyshirt,andDamon’sgriponmywaistwasdangerouslyloose.
Still,IurgedMezzanotteforward.Iwasrelyingoninstinct,onsomethingbeyondthinkingandplanning.ItwasasifIcouldsmellfreedomandpossibility,andjusthadtotrustthatI’dleadustoit.IpulledthereinsandsteeredoutofthewoodsandintothefieldbehindVeritasEstate.
Onanyotherrainymorningtherewouldhavebeenlightsinthewindowofouroldhome,thelampsgivingthebubbledglassanorange-yellowlookofsunset.Ourmaid,Cordelia,wouldhavebeensinginginthekitchen,andFather’sdriver,Alfred,wouldbesittingsentrybytheentrance.FatherandIwouldbesittingincompanionablesilenceinthebreakfastroom.Nowtheestatewasacoldshellofitsformerself:thewindowsdark,thegroundscompletelysilent.Ithadonlybeenemptyforaweek,yetVeritaslookedasthoughithadbeenabandonedforages.
Weleapedoverthefenceandlandedunsteadily.Ijustbarelymanagedtorightuswithahardtugonthereins,themetaloftheclackingagainstMezzanotte’steeth.Thenwethunderedaroundthesideofthehouse,myskinclammyaswepassedCordelia’splotofvervain,thetinystalksankle-high.
“Whereareyoutakingus,brother?”Damonasked.
IheardthreesetsofsplashinghoovesasJonathanGilbert,MayorLockwood,andSheriffForbescutalongthepondatthebackofourproperty.Mezzanottewheezed,apeachfrothlininghermouth,andIknewthatoutridingthemwouldn’tbeapossibility.
Suddenly,thethroatywailofatrainwhistledthroughthemorning,blockingoutthehooves,thewind,andthemetallicraspofagunreloading.
“We’regettingonthattrain,”Isaid,kickingMezzanotteintheflanks.Bearingdown,shepickedupspeedandsailedoverthestonewallthatseparatedVeritasfromthemainroad.
“C’mon,girl,”Iwhispered.Hereyeswerewildandterrified,butsheranfasterdowntheroadandontoMainStreet.Thecharredchurchcameintosight,blackenedbricksrisingupliketeethfromtheashenearth.Theapothecaryhadalsobeenburnedtotheground.Crucifixeswereaffixedtoeverysingledoorframeintown;vervainsprigswerehungingarlandsovermost.IbarelyrecognizedtheplaceI’dlivedallmyseventeenyears.MysticFallswasn’tmyhome.Notanymore.
Behindus,JonathanGilbertandMayorLockwood’shorseswereapproachingfasterandfaster.Aheadofus,Icouldhearthetraindrawingnearer,grindingagainsttherails.ThefrothatMezzanotte’smouthwasturningpinkwithblood.Myfangsweredry,andIlickedmyparchedlips,wonderingifthisconstantdesireforbloodcamewithbeinganewvampire,orifIwouldalwaysfeelthisway.
“Readytogo,brother?”Iasked,yankingMezzanotte’sreins.Shehalted,givingmejustenoughtimetojumpoffbeforeshecollapsedontotheground,bloodrushingfromhermouth.
Ashotrangout,andbloodspurtedfromMezzanotte’sflank.IyankedDamonbythewristsandhurledusontothecaboosejustbeforethetrainroaredoutofthestation,leavingJonathanGilbertandMayorLockwood’sangrycriesfarbehind.
Chapter4
Thecarwaspitchblack,butoureyes,nowadaptedfornocturnalvision,allowedustopickoutapaththroughthepilesofsootycoalinthecaboose.Finallyweemergedthroughadoorwayintowhatappearedtobeafirst-classsleepingcar.Whennoonewaslooking,westoleafewshirtsandpairsoftrousersfromanunattendedtrunkandputthemon.Theydidn’tfitperfectly,buttheywoulddo.
Asweventuredoutintotheaisleoftheseatingcoach,thetrainrumblingbeneathourfeet,ahandgrabbedmyshoulder.Reflexively,Iswungmyarmatmyattackerandgrowled.Amaninaconductor’suniformflewbackwardandhitthewallofacompartmentwithathud
Ilockedmyjawtokeepmyfangsfromprotruding.“I’msorry!Youstartledmeand…”Itrailedoff.Myvoicewasunfamiliartomyownears.Forthepastweek,mostofmyinteractionshadbeeninhoarsewhispers.IwassurprisedathowhumanIsounded.ButIwasmuchmorepowerfulthanmyvoicebetrayed.Ihoistedthemantohisfeetandstraightenedhisnavycap.“Areyouokay?”
“Ibelieveso,”theconductorsaidinadazedvoice,pattinghisarmsasiftomakesuretheywerestillthere.Helookedtobeabouttwenty,withsallowskinandsandyhair.“Yourticket?”
“Oh,yes,tickets,”Damonsaid,hisvoicesmooth,notbetrayingthatwehadbeeninagalloptothedeathonlyminutesbefore.“Mybrotherhasthose.”
Ishotanangryglancetowardhim,andhesmiledbackatme,calm,taunting.Itookhimin.Hisbootsweremuddyandunlaced,hislinenshirtwasuntuckedfromhistrousers,buttherewassomethingabouthim—morethanhisaquilinenoseandaristocraticjaw—thatmadehimseemalmostregal.Inthatmoment,Ibarelyrecognizedhim:Thiswasn’ttheDamonI’dgrownupwith,oreventheoneI’dgottentoknowinthepastweek.NowthatwewerehurtlingoutofMysticFallstowardsomeinvisible,unknowablepointonthehorizon,Damonhadbecomesomeoneelse,someonesereneandunpredictable.Intheseunfamiliarsurroundings,Iwasunsureifwewerepartnersincrimeorswornenemies.
Theconductorturnedhisattentiontowardme,hislipcurlingashetookinmydisheveledappearance.Ihastilytuckedmyownshirtin.
“Wewererushing,and…”Idrawled,hopingmySouthernaccentwouldmakethewordssoundsincere—andhuman.Hisgoldfish-likeeyesbulgedskeptically,andthenIrememberedavampireskillKatherinehadusedonmetogreateffect:compelling.“…AndIalreadyshowedyoumyticket,”Isaidslowly,willinghimtobelieveme.
Theconductorfurrowedhisbrows.“No,youdidn’t,”herepliedjustasslowly,takingextracaretoenunciateeachword,asifIwereanespeciallydullpassenger.
Icursedsilently,thenleanedinevercloser.“ButIpresentedittoyouearlier.”Istaredintohiseyesuntilmyownstartedtocross.
Theconductortookastepbackandblinked.“Everyoneneedsaticketontheirpersonatalltimes.”
Myshouldersslumped.“Well…uh…”
Damonsteppedinfrontofme.“Ourticketsareinthesleepercar.Ourmistake,”hesaid,hisvoicelowandlulling.Hedidn’tblinkonceashegazedattheman’shoodedlids.
Thetickettaker’sfacewentslack,andhetookastepback.“Mymistake.Goahead,gentlemen.I’msorryabouttheconfusion.”Hisvoicewasdistantashetippedhishat,thenstoodasidetoletuswalkintothegentlemen’sclubcar.
Assoonasthedoorshutbehindus,IgrabbedDamon’sarm.
“Howdidyoudothat?”Iasked.HadKatherinetaughthimhowtodrophisvoice,gazehisvictimintheeye,andforcethepoorladtodohisbidding?Iclenchedmyjaw,wonderingifshe’dmentionedhoweasyithadbeenforhertocompelme.Imagesflashedintomymind:Katherinewideninghereyes,beggingmetokeephersecret,tostopmyfatherfromhuntingher.Ishookmyhead,asiftoflingtheimagesfrommybrain.
“Who’sinchargenow,brother?”Damondrawled,collapsingintoanemptyleatherseatandyawning,hishandsstretchedabovehisheadasifhewerereadytosettledownforalongnap.
“You’regoingtosleepnow?Ofalltimes?”Iexclaimed.
“Whynot?”
“Whynot?”Irepeateddumbly.Iheldoutmyarms,gesturingtooursurroundings.Wesatamongwell-dressedmenintophatsandwaistcoats,who,despitethehour,werebusilypatronizingthewood-paneledbarinthecorner.Agroupofoldermenplayedpoker,whileyoungmenincaptain’suniformswhisperedovertumblersofwhiskey.Wewentunnoticedinthiscrowd.Therewerenovampirecompassesrevealingourtrueidentities.Noonesomuchasglancedinourdirectionaswesatdown.
IperchedontheottomanoppositeDamon.“Don’tyousee?”Isaid.“Nooneknowsushere.Thisisourchance.”
“You’retheonewhodoesn’tsee.”Damoninhaleddeeply.“Smellthat?”
Thewarm,spicyscentofbloodfilledmynostrils,andthethudofpumpingheartsechoedaroundmelikecicadasonasummerevening.Instantlyasearingpainrippedthroughmyjaw.Icoveredmymouthwithmyhands,lookingwildlyaroundtoseeifanyonehadnoticedthelongcaninesthathadshotoutfrommygums.
Damonletoutawrychuckle.“You’llneverbefree,brother.You’retetheredtoblood,tohumans.Theymakeyoudesperateandneedy—theymakeyouakiller.”
Atthewordkiller,amanwitharust-coloredbeardandsun-dyedcheeksglancedsharplyatusfromacrosstheaisle.Iforcedabenignsmile.
“You’regoingtogetusintrouble,”Ihissedundermybreath.
“Yes,well,you’vegotonlyyourselftoblameforthat,”Damonreplied.Heclosedhiseyes,signalingtheendofourconversation.
Isighedandglancedoutthewindow.WewereprobablyonlythirtymilesoutsideofMysticFalls,butitfeltasthougheverythingI’dknownbeforehadsimplyceasedtoexist.Eventheweatherwasnew—therainshowerhadended,andtheautumnsunnowpokedthroughwispyclouds,penetratingtheglassthatseparatedthetrainfromtheoutsideworld.Itwascurious:Whileourringsprotectedusfromthesunsearingourflesh,theburningorbmademefeelslightlydrowsy.
Pushingmyselftostand,Itookrefugeinthedarkaislesthatledfromcompartmenttocompartment.Ipassedfromwalkingbetweentheplushvelvetseatsofthefirst-classcarstothewoodenbenchesofsecondclass.
Finally,Imademyselfcomfortableinanemptysleepercabin,drewthecurtains,closedmyeyes,andopenedmyears.
HopethoseUnionboysgetoutofNewOrleansandleaveittoourselves..
OnceyouseethosebeautiesonBourbonStreet,yourVirginiavirginwon’tlookthesame…
You’vegottobecareful.There’svoodoodownthere,andsomesayit’swheredemonscomeouttoplay…
Ismiled.NewOrleanssoundedliketheperfectplacetocallhome.
Isettledintothemakeshiftbed,contenttorelaxandletthetrainrockmeintosomesortofslumber.IfoundthatIfedmuchbetterafterIhadrested.
Chapter5
Adaylater,thetrainscreechedtoastop.“BatonRouge!”aconductorcalledinthedistance.
WeweregettingclosertoNewOrleans,butthetimewascreepingbyfartooslowlyformyliking.Iflattenedmybackagainstthewallofthecar,noticingpassengershastilypackinguptheirbelongingastheypreparedtovacatetheirquarters,whenmyeyefelluponagreenticket,emblazonedwithalargebootprint.Ikneltdownandpickeditup.Mr.RemyPicard,RichmondtoNewOrleans.
Ituckeditintomypocketandjauntilywalkedbackthroughthetrain,untilIfeltsomeonegazingatmecuriously.Iturnedaround.Twosistersweresmilingatmethroughthewindowofaprivatecompartment,theirexpressionsbemused.Onewasworkingonapieceofneedlepoint,theotherwritinginaleather-bounddiary.Theywerebeingwatchedwithhawk-likeintensitybyashort,plumpwomaninhersixties,cladinallblack,mostlikelytheirauntorguardian.
Iopenedthedoor.
“Sir?”thewomansaid,turningtowardme.Ilockedmygazeontoherwateryblueeyes.
“Ibelieveyouleftsomethinginthediningcar,”Isaid.“Somethingyouneed.”Icontinued,copyingDamon’slow,steadyvoice.Hereyesshifted,butIsensedthatthiswasdifferentfromthewaytheconductorhadrespondedtomywords.WhenI’dtriedtocompeltheconductor,itwasasifmythoughtshadcollidedwithsteel;here,itwasasthoughmythoughtswerebreakingthroughfog.Shecockedherhead,clearlylistening.
“Ileftsomething…”Shetrailedoff,soundingconfused.ButIcouldsensesomethinginmybrain,asortofmeldingofourminds,andIknewshewouldn’tfightme.
Immediately,thewomanshiftedherbulkandstoodupfromherseat.
“Why,ah,IbelieveIdid,”shesaid,turningonherheelandwalkingbackdownthehallwithoutabackwardglance.Themetallicdoorofthecarclosedwithaclick,andIpulledtheheavynavycurtainsoverthelittlewindowtotheaisle.
“Nicetomakeyouracquaintance,”IsaidasIbowedtothetwogirls.“MynameisRemyPicard,”Isaid,surreptitiouslygazingdownattheticketpokingoutofmybreastpocket.
“Remy,”thetallergirlrepeatedquietly,asifcommittingmynametomemory.Ifeltmyfangsthrobagainstmygums.Iwassohungry,andshewassoexquisite…Imashedmylipstogetherandforcedmyselftostandstill.Notyet.
“Finally!AuntMinnie’sneverleftusalone!”theoldergirlsaid.Shelookedtobeaboutsixteen.“Shethinkswearen’ttobetrusted.”
“Aren’tyounow?”Iteased,easingintotheflirtationasthecomplimentsandresponsesvolleyedbackandforth.Asahuman,Iwouldhavehopedsuchanexchangewouldendwithasqueezeofthehandorabrushoflipsagainstacheek.Now,allIcouldthinkofwasthebloodcoursingthroughthegirls’veins.
Isatdownnexttotheoldergirl,theyoungerone’seyessearchingmecuriously.Shesmelledlikegardeniasandbreadjustoutoftheoven.Hersister—theymusthavebeensisters,withthesametawnybrownhairanddartingblueeyes—smelledricher,likenutmegandfreshlyfallenleaves.“I’mLavinia,andthisisSarahJane.We’regoingtomovetoNewOrleans,”theonegirlsaid,puttingherneedlepointdownonherlap.“Doyouknowit?I’mworriedI’llmissRichmondhorribly,”shesaidplaintively.
“Ourpapadied,”SarahJaneadded,herlowerliptrembling.
Inodded,runningmytonguealongmyteeth,feelingmyfangs.Lavinia’sheartwasbeatingfarfasterthanhersister’s.
“AuntMinniewantstomarrymeoff.Willyoutellmewhat’sitlike,Remy?”Laviniapointedtotheringonmyfourthfinger.Littledidsheknowthattheringhadnothingtodowithmarriageandeverythingtodowithbeingabletohuntgirlslikeherinbroaddaylight.
“Beingmarriedislovely,ifyoumeettherightman.Doyouthinkyou’llmeettherightman?”Iasked,staringintohereyes.
“I…Idon’tknow.Isupposeifhe’sanythinglikeyou,thenIshouldcountmyselflucky.”Herbreathwashotonmycheek,andIknewthatIcouldn’tcontrolmyselfformuchlonger.
“SarahJane,Ibetyourauntieneedssomehelp,”Isaid,glancingintoSarahJane’sblueeyes.Shepausedforamoment,thenexcusedherselfandwenttofindheraunt.IhadnoideaifIwascompellingherorifshewassimplyfollowingmyorders,becauseshewasachildandIwasanadult.
“Oh,you’rewicked,aren’tyou?”Laviniaasked,hereyesflashingasshesmiledatme.
“Yes,”Isaidbrusquely.“Yes,Iamwicked,mydear.”Ibaredmyteeth,watchingwithgreatsatisfactionashereyeswidenedwithhorror.Thebestpartoffeedingwastheanticipation,seeingmyvictimtrembling,helpless,mine.Islowlyleanedin,savoringthemoment.Mylipsgrazedhersoftskin.
“No!”shegasped.
“Shhh,”Iwhispered,pullinghercloserandallowingmyteethtotouchherskin,subtlyatfirst,thenmoreinsistently,untilIsankmyteethintoherneck.Hermoansbecamescreams,andIheldmyhandoverhermouthtosilenceherasIsuckedthesweetliquidintomymouth.Shegroanedslightly,butsoonhersighsturnedintokittenishmews.
“NewOrleans,nextstop!”theconductoryelled,breakingmyreverie.
Iglancedoutthewindow.Thesunwassinkinglowintothesky,andLavinia’snearlydeadbodyfeltheavyinmyarms.Outsidethewindow,NewOrleansroseupasifinadream,andIcouldseetheoceancontinuingonandonforever.Itwaslikemylifewasdestinedtobe:never-endingyears,never-endingfeedings,never-endingprettygirlswithsweetsighsandsweeterblood.
“Foreverpanting,andforeveryoung,”Iwhispered,pleasedathowwellthelinesfromthepoetKeatssuitedmynewlife.
“Sir!”Theconductorknockedonthedoor.Istrodeoutofthecompartment,wipingmymouthwiththebackofmyhand.Hewasthesameconductorwho’dstoppedDamonandmejustoutsideMysticFalls,andIsawsuspicionflashacrosshisface.
“We’reinNewOrleans,then?”Iasked,thetasteofLavinia’sbloodinthebackofmythroat.
Theginger-hairedconductornodded.“Andtheladies?They’reaware?”
“Ohyes,they’reaware,”Isaid,notbreakingmygazeasIslippedmyticketoutofmypocket.“Buttheyaskednottobedisturbed.AndIasknottobedisturbed,too.You’veneverseenme.You’veneverbeenbythiscompartment.Later,ifanyoneasks,yousaytheremayhavebeensomethieveswhogotonthetrainoutsideRichmond.Theylookedsuspicious.Unionsoldiers,”Iinvented.
“Unionsoldiers?”theconductorrepeated,clearlyconfused.
Isighed.UntilIhadcompellingundercontrol,I’dhavetoresorttoamorepermanentstyleofmemoryerasing.InaflashIgrabbedtheconductorbytheneckandsnappeditaseasilyasifitwereasweetpea.ThenIthrewhimintothecompartmentwithLaviniaandshutthedoorbehindme.
“Yes,Unionsoldiersalwaysdomakeabloodymessofthings,don’tthey?”Iaskedrhetorically.Then,whistlingthewholeway,IwenttocollectDamonfromthegentlemen’sclubcar.
Chapter6
DamonwasslumpedrightwhereI’dlefthim,anuntouchedwhiskeyglasssweatingontheoaktableinfrontofhim.
“Comeon,”Isaidroughly,yankingDamonupbythearm.
Thetrainwasslowing,andallarounduspassengersweregatheringtheirbelongingsandliningupbehindaconductorwhostoodinfrontoftheblackirondoorstotheoutsideworld.Butsincewewereunencumberedbypossessionsandblessedwithstrength,Iknewourbestbetwastoexitthetrainthesamewaywe’dentered:byjumpingoffthebackofthecaboose.Iwantedusbothtobelonggonebeforeanyonenoticedanythingwasamiss.
“Youlookwell,brother.”Histonewaslight,butthechalkinessofhisskinandthepurplingbeneathhiseyesgaveawayjusthowtrulytiredandhungryhewas.Foraninstant,IwishedI’dleftsomeofLaviniaforhim,butquicklybrushedasidethethought.Ihadtotakeafirmhand.ThatwashowFatherusedtotrainthehorses.Denyingthemfooduntiltheyfinallystoppedyankingonthereinsandsubmittedtobeingridden.ItwasthesamewithDamon.Heneededtobebroken.
“Oneofushastomaintainourstrength,”ItoldDamon,mybacktohimasIledthewaytothelastcarofthetrain.
Thetrainwasstillcreepingalong,thewheelsscrapingagainsttheironlengthsoftrack.Wedidn’thavemuchtime.Wescrambledbackthroughthesootycoaltothedoor,whichIpulledopeneasily.
“Onthree!One…Two…”Igrabbedhiswristandjumped.Bothofourkneeshittheharddirtbelowwithathud.
“Alwayshavetoshowoff,don’tyou,brother?”Damonsaid,wincing.Inoticedhistrousershadbeentornatthekneesfromthefall,andhishandswerepockmarkedwithgravel.Iwasuntouched,exceptforascrapeonmyelbow.
“Youshouldhavefed.”Ishrugged.
Thewhistleofthetrainshrieked,andItookinthesights.WewereontheedgeofNewOrleans,abustlingcityfilledwithsmokeandanaromalikeacombinationofbutterandfirewoodandmurkywater.ItwasfarbiggerthanRichmond,whichhadbeenthelargestcityI’deverknown.Buttherewassomethingelse,asenseofdangerthatfilledtheair.Igrinned.Herewasacitywecoulddisappearin.
IbeganwalkingtowardtownatthesuperhumanspeedIstillhadn’tgottenusedto,Damontrailingbehindme,hisfootfallsloudandclumsy,butsteady.WemadeourwaydownGardenStreet,clearlyamainarteryofthecity.Surroundinguswererowsofhomes,asneatandcolorfulasdollhouses.Theairwassoupyandhumid,andvoicesspeakingFrench,English,andlanguagesI’dneverheardcreatedapatchworkofsound.
Leftandright,Icouldseealleywaysleadingdowntothewater,androwsofvendorsweresetuponthesidewalks,sellingeverythingfromfreshlycaughtturtlestopreciousstonesimportedfromAfrica.Eventhepresenceofblue-coatedUnionsoldiersoneverystreetcorner,theirmusketsattheirhips,seemedsomehowfestive.Itwasacarnivalineverysenseoftheword,thetypeofsceneDamonwouldhavelovedwhenwewerehuman.Iturnedtolookovermyshoulder.Sureenough,Damon’slipswerecurvedinaslightsmile,hiseyesglowinginawayIhadn’tseeninwhatfeltlikeages.Wewereinthisadventuretogether,andnow,awayfrommemoriesofKatherineandFather’sremainsandVeritas,maybeDamoncouldfinallyacceptandembracewhohewas.
“Rememberwhenwesaidwe’dtraveltheworld?”Iasked,turningtowardhim.“Thisisourworldnow.”
Damonnoddedslightly.“KatherinetoldmeaboutNewOrleans.Sheoncelivedhere.”
“Andifshewerehere,she’dwantyoutomakethistownyourown—tolivehere,behere,totakeyourfillandmakeyourplaceintheworld.”
“Alwaysthepoet.”Damonsmirked,buthecontinuedtofollowme.
“Perhaps,butit’strue.Allofthisisours,”Isaidencouragingly,spreadingmyhandswide.
Damontookamomenttoconsidermywordsandsimplysaid,“Allright,then.”
“Allright?”Irepeated,hardlyhopingtobelieveit.Itwasthefirsttimehe’dglancedintomyeyessinceourfightatthequarry.
“Yes.I’mfollowingyou.”Heturnedinacitcle,pointingtothevariousbuildings.“So,wheredowestay?Whatdowedo?Showmethisbravenewworld.”Damon’slipstwistedintoasmile,andIcouldn’ttellwhetherhewasmockingmeorwasspeakinginearnest.Ichosetobelievethelatter.
Isniffedtheairandimmediatelycaughtawhiffoflemonandginger.Katherine.Damon’sshouldersstiffened;hemusthavesmelledit,too.Wordlessly,bothofusspunonourheelsandwalkeddownanunmarkedalleyway,followingawomanwearingasatinlilacdress,alargesunbonnetontopofherdarkcurls.
“Ma’am!”Icalled.
Sheturnedaround.Herwhitecheekswereheavilyrougedandhereyesringedwithkohl.Shelookedtobeinherthirties,andalreadyworrylinescreasedherfairforehead.Herhairfellintendrilsaroundherface,andherdresswascutlow,revealingfartoomuchofherfreckledbosomthanwasstrictlydecorous.Iknewinstantlyshewasascarletwoman,onewe’dwhisperaboutasboysandpointtowhenwewereinthetaverninMysticFalls.
“Youboyslookin’foragoodtime?”shesaidlanguidly,hergazeflickingfrommetoDamon,thenbackagain.Shewasn’tKatherine,notevenclose,butIcouldseeaflickerinDamon’seyes.
“Idon’tthinkfindingaplacetostaywillbeaproblem,”Iwhisperedundermybreath.
“Don’tkillher,”Damonwhisperedback,hisjawbarelymoving.
“Comewithme.Ihavesomegalswho’dlovetomeetyou.Youseemlikethetypeofboyswhoneedadventure.Thatright?”Shewinked.
Astormwasbrewing,andIcouldvaguelyhearthunderclapsinthefardistance
“We’realwayslookingforanadventurewithaprettylady,”Isaid.
Outofthecornerofmyeye,IsawDamontightenhisjaw,andIknewhewasfightingtheurgetofeed.Don’tfightit,Ithought,ferventlyhopingDamonwoulddrinkaswefollowedheralongthecobblestonestreets.
“We’rerighthere,”shesaid,usingalargekeytounlockthewrought-irondoorofaperiwinklebluemansionattheendofacul-de-sac.Thehousewaswellkept,butthebuildingsoneithersideseemedabandoned,withchippingpaintandgardensoverflowingwithweeds.Icouldhearthejauntysoundofapianoplayingwithin.
“It’smyboardinghouse,MissMolly’s.Except,ofcourse,atthisboardinghouseweshowyousometruehospitality,ifthat’swhatyou’reinthemoodfor,”shesaid,battingherlongeyelashes.“Coming?”
“Yes,ma’am.”IpushedDamonthroughthedoorway,thenlockedthedoorbehindus.
Chapter7
ThenexteveningIgazedcontentedatthesunsettingovertheharbor.MissMollyhadn’texaggerated:Thegirlsatherhousewerehospitable.ForbreakfastI’dhadonewithlong,corn-silkhairandblearyblueeyes.Icouldstilltasteherwine-lacedbloodonmylips.
DamonandIhadspentthedaywanderingthecity,takinginthewrought-ironbalconiesintheFrenchQuarter—andthegirlswhowavedtousfromtheirperchesthere—thefinetailorshopswithboltsofsumptuoussilkinthewindows,andtheheadycigarshopswheremenwithroundbelliesstruckbusinessdeals.
Butofallthesights,Ilikedtheharborbest.Thiswasthecity’slifeblood,wheretallshipscarryingproduceandexoticwaresenteredandexited.Cutofftheharbor,youcutoffthecity,makingitasvulnerableandhelplessasMissMolly’sgirlhadbeenthatmorning.
Damongazedoutattheboatsaswell,rubbinghischinthoughtfully.Hislapislazuliringglintedinthefadingsunlight.“Ialmostsavedher.”
“Who?”Iasked,turningsharply,hopeswellinginmychest.“Didyousneakoffandfeedfromsomeone?”
Mybrotherkepthiseyesonthehorizon.“No,ofcoursenot.ImeantKatherine.”
Ofcourse.Isighed.Ifanything,lastnighthadmadeDamonmoremalcontentthanever.WhileI’denjoyedthecompanyandthesweetbloodofagirlwhosenameIwouldneverknow,Damonhadretiredtoaroomofhisown,treatingtheestablishmentasifitweresimplytheboardinghouseitpretendedtobe.
“Youshouldhavedrunk,”Isaidforthehundredthtimethatday.“Youshouldhavetakenyourpick.”
“Don’tyouunderstand,Stefan?”Damonaskedflatly.“Idon’twantmypick.IwantwhatIhad—aworldIunderstood,notoneIcancontrol.”
“Butwhy?”Iasked,ataloss.Thewindshifted,andthescentofiron,mixedwithtobacco,talcumpowder,andcotton,invadedmynostrils.
“Feedingtimealready?”Damonaskedwryly.“Haven’tyoudoneenoughdamage?”
“Whocaresaboutonewhoreinafilthybrothel!”Iyelledinfrustration.Igesturedouttothesea.“Theworldisfilledwithhumans,andassoonasonedies,anotherappears.WhatdoesitmatterifIrelieveonewretchedsoulofitsmisery?”
“You’rebeingcareless,youknow,”Damongrunted.Histonguedartedoutofhismouthtolickhisdry,crackedlips.“Tofeedwheneveryoufeellikeit.Katherineneverdidthat.”
“Yes,well,Katherinedied,didn’tshe?”Isaid,myvoicemuchharsherthanImeantittobe.
“She’dhavehatedwhoyou’vebecome,”Damonsaid,slidingoffthefenceandstandingnexttome.
Thescentofironwasmorepervasivenow,curlingaroundmelikeanembrace.
“No,shewouldhavehatedyou,”Iretorted.“Soscaredofwhoyouare,unabletogoafterwhatyouwant,wastingyourPower.”
IexpectedDamontoargue,tostrikemeeven.Butinsteadheshookhishead,thetipsofhisretractedcaninesjustvisiblebetweenhispartiallyopenlips.
“Ihatemyself.Iwouldn’texpectanydifferentfromher,”hesaidsimply.
Ishookmyheadindisappointment.“Whathappenedtoyou?Youusedtobesofulloflife,soreadyforadventure.Thisisthebestthingthathaseverhappenedtous.It’sagift—onethatKatherinegavetoyou.”
Acrossthestreet,anoldmanhobbledpast,andthenamomentlater,achildonanerrandrushedbyintheoppositedirection.
“Pickoneandfeed!Picksomething,anything.Anythingisbetterthanjustsittinghere,lettingtheworldgoby.”
WiththatIstood,followingtheironandtobaccoscent,feelingmyfangspulsewiththepromiseofanewmeal.IgrabbedDamon,wholaggedafewpacesbehindme,untilwefoundourselvesonaslantedlaneoutofrangeofthegaslights.Whatlittlelighttherewasgatheredontoasinglepoint:awhite-uniformednurse,leaningagainstabrickbuilding,smokingacigarette.
Thewomanlookedup,herstartledexpressionturningintoaslowsmileasshetookinDamon.Typical.Evenasablood-starvedvampire,Damon,withhisshockofdarkhair,longlashes,andbroadshoulders,causedwomentolooktwice.
“Wantasmoke?”sheasked,blowingsmokeintoconcentriccirclesthatblendedwiththemistintheair.
“No,”Damonsaidhastily.“Comeon,brother.”
Iignoredhim,steppingtowardher.Heruniformwasspatteredwithblood.Icouldn’tstopstaringatitandthewaytherichredcontrastedtothestarkwhite.NomatterhowoftenIhadseenitsincechanging,bloodcontinuedtoawemewithitsbeauty.
“Havingabadnight?”Iasked,leaningnexttoheragainstthebuilding.
Damongrabbedmyarmandstartedtopullmetowardthelightsofthehospital.“Brother,let’sgo.”
Tensioncoiledinmybody.“No!”Ittookaswatofmyarmtotosshimagainstthewall.
Thenursedroppedhercigarette.Theashsparked,thenextinguished.Ifeltthebulgeofmyfangsbehindmylips.Itwasjustamatteroftimenow.
Damonstruggledtohisfeet,crouchinglowasifIwasgoingtostrikehimagain.
“Iwon’twatchthis,”hesaid.“Ifyoudothis,Iwillneverforgiveyou.”
“Ihavetogetbacktomyshift,”thenursemuttered,takingastepawayfromme,asiftorun.
Igrabbedherarmandpulledhertome.SheletoutoneshortyelpbeforeIcoveredhermouthwithmyhand.“Noneedtoworryaboutthatanymore,”Ihissed,sinkingmyteethintoherneck.
Theliquidtastedlikerottingleavesandantiseptic,asifthedeathanddecayofthehospitalhadinvadedherbody.Ispitthestillwarmliquidintothegutterandthrewthenursetotheground.Herfacewastwistedinagrimaceoffear.
Stupidgirl.Sheshouldhavesensedthedangerandrunwhileshestillcould.Ithadn’tevenbeenahunt.Worthless.Shegroaned,andIwrappedmyfingersagainstherthroatandsqueezeduntilIheardthesatisfyingcrackofbonebreaking.Herheadhungatanunnaturalangle,bloodstilldrippingfromthewound.
Shewasn’tmakinganynoisenow.
IturnedtowardDamon,whostaredatme,ahorrifiedexpressiononhisface.
“Vampireskill.It’swhatwedo,brother,”Isaidcalmly,mygazelockingonDamon’sblueeyes.
“It’swhatyoudo,”hesaid,takingoffthecoataroundhisshouldersandthrowingitoverthenurse.“Notme.Neverme.”
Angerpulsedlikeaheartattheverycoreofmybeing.“You’reweak,”Igrowled.
“Maybeso,”Damonsaid.“ButI’dratherbeweakthanamonster.”Hisvoicegrewstrong.“Iwantnopartinyourkillingspree.Andifourpathsevercrossagain,IswearIwillavengeallofyourmurders,brother.”
Thenhespunonhisheelandranatvampirespeeddownthealleyway,instantlydisappearingintotheswirlingmist.
Chapter8
October4,1864
Asahuman,I’dthoughtitwasmymother’sdeaththathadshapedthemenDamonandIwouldbecome.I’dcalledmyselfahalf-orphanintheinitialdaysaftershedied,lockingmyselfawayinmyroom,feelingasthoughmylifehadendedattheyoungageoften.Fatherbelievedgrievingwasweakandunmanly,soDamonhadbeentheonetocomfortme.He’dgoridingwithme,letmejointheolderboysintheirgames,andbeatuptheGiffinbrotherswhentheymadefunofmeforcryingaboutMotherduringabaseballgame.Damonhadalwaysbeenthestrongone,myprotector.
ButIwaswrong.Itismyowndeaththathasshapedme.
Nowthetableshaveturned.Iamthestrongone,andIhavebeentryingtobeDamon’sprotector.ButwhileIhavealwaysbeengratefultoDamon,hedespisesmeandblamesmeforwhathehasbecome.IhadforcedhimtofeedfromAlice,abartenderatthelocaltavern,whichhadcompletedhistransformation.Butdoesthatmakemeavillain?Ithinknot,especiallyastheacthadsavedhislife.
Finally,IseeDamonthewayFatherhadseenhim:tooimperious,toowillful,tooquicktomakeuphismind,andtooslowtochangeit.
AndasIhadalsorealizedearlierthiseveningasIstoodjustoutsidethedimglareofthegaslamp,thebodyofthedeadnurseatmyfeet:Iamalone.Afullorphan.JustasKatherinehadpresentedherselfwhenshecametoMysticFallsandstayedinourguesthouse.
Sothat’showvampiresdoit,then.Theyexploitvulnerability,gethumanstotrustthem,andthen,whenalltheemotionsarefirmlyinplace,theyattack.
SothatiswhatIwilldo.Iknownothoworwhomynextvictimwillbe,butIknow,morethanever,thattheonlypersonIcanlookoutforandprotectismyself.Damonisonhisown,andsoamI.
IheardDamonstealthroughthecity,movingatvampirespeeddownthestreetsandalleys.Atonepoint,hepaused,whisperingKatherine’snameoverandoveragain,likeamantraoraprayer.Then,nothing…
Washedead?Hadhedrownedhimself?Orwashesimplytoofarawayformetohearhim?
Eitherway,theresultwasthesame.Iwasalone—I’dlostmyonlyconnectiontothemanI’doncebeen:StefanSalvatore,thedutifulson,theloverofpoetry,themanwhostoodupforwhatwasright.
IwonderedifthatmeantthatStefanSalvatore,withnoonetorememberhim,wasreally,trulydead,leavingmetobe…anyone.
Icouldmovetoadifferentcityeveryyear,seethewholeworld.IcouldassumeasmanyidentitiesasI’dlike.IcouldbeaUnionsoldier.IcouldbeanItalianbusinessman.
IcouldevenbeDamon.
Thesunplungedpastthehorizonlikeacannonballfallingtoearth,dippingthecityintodarkness.Iturnedfromonegaslitstreettothenext,thesolesofmybootsraspingoverthegravellycobblestones.Aloosenewspaperblewtowardme.Istompedonthebroadsheet,examininganetchedphotoofagirlwithlong,darkhairandpaleeyes.
Shelookedvaguelyfamiliar.IwonderedifshewasarelativeofoneoftheMysticFallsgirls.Orperhapsanamelesscousinwho’dattendedbarbecuesatVeritas.ButthenIsawtheheadline:BRUTALMURDERABOARDTHEATLANTICEXPRESS
Lavinia.Ofcourse.
I’dalreadyforgottenher.Ireacheddownandcrumpledthepaper,hurlingitasfarasIcouldintotheMississippi.Thesurfaceofthewaterwasmuddyandturbulent,dappledwithmoonlight.Icouldn’tseemyreflection—couldn’tseeanythingbutanabyssofblacknessasdeepanddarkasmynewfuture.CouldIgoforeternity,feeding,killing,forgetting,thenrepeatingthecycle?
Yes.EveryinstinctandimpulseIhadscreamedyes
Thetriumphofclosinginonmyprey,touchingmycaninestothepaper-thinskinthatcoveredtheirnecks,hearingtheirheartsslowtoadullthudandfeelingabodygolimpinmyarms….Huntingandfeedingmademefeelalive,whole;theygavemeapurposeintheworld.
Itwas,afterall,thenaturalorderofthings.Animalskilledweakeranimals.Humanskilledanimals.Ikilledhumans.Everyspecieshadtheirfoe.Ishudderedtothinkwhatmonsterwaspowerfulenoughtohuntme.
Thesaltybreezewaftingfromthewaterwaslacedwiththeodorofunwashedbodiesandrottingfood—afarcryfromthearomaacrosstown,wherescentsoffloralperfumeandtalcumpowderhungheavyintheairofthewidestreets.Hereshadowshuggedeverycorner,whispersroseandfellwiththeflowingoftheriver,anddrunkenhiccupspiercedtheair.Itwasdark,here.Dangerous.
Iquitelikedit.
Iturnedacorner,followingmynoselikeabloodhoundonthetrailofadoe.Iflexedmyarms,readyforahunt—agin-soakeddrunk,asoldier,aladyoutafterdark.Thevictimdidn’tmatter.
Iturnedagain,andtheiron-scentofbloodcamecloser.Thesmellwassweetandsmoky.Ifocusedonit,ontheanticipationofsinkingmyfangsintoaneck,ofwonderingwhosebloodI’dbedrinking,whoselifeI’dbestealing.
Icontinuedtowalk,pickingupmypaceasItracedthescenttoananonymousbackstreetlinedwithanapothecary,ageneralstore,andatailor.ThestreetwasareplicaofourownMainStreetbackinMysticFalls.Butwhilewe’donlyhadone,NewOrleansmusthavehaddozens,ifnothundreds,ofthesecorridorsofcommerce.
Therustysmellofironwasstrongernow.Ifollowedtwistsandturns,myhungerbuilding,burning,searingmyveryskinuntilfinally,finallyIcametoasquat,peach-coloredbuilding.ButwhenIsawthepaintedsignabovethedoor,Istoppedshort.Sausagesintheircasingshunginthebuilding’sgrimywindow;slabsofcuredmeatdangledfromtheceilinglikeagrotesquechild’smobile;carvedribswerenestledinicebeneathacounter,andinthefarback,wholecarcasseswerestrungup,drainingbloodintolargevats.
Thiswasa…butchershop?
Isighedinfrustrationbutmyhungerforcedmetopushthedooropenanyway.Theironchainsnappedeasily,asifitwerenosturdierthanthread.Onceinside,Igazedatthebloodiedcarcasses,momentarilymesmerizedbythebloodfallingintothevats,onedripatatime.
Overthesoundoftherainingblood,Iheardtheslightestping,nolouderthanthetwitchofamouse’swhiskers.Thencamethelightshuffleoftoespassingoverconcrete.
Irearedback,myeyesdartingfromcornertocorner.Micescuttledbeneaththefloorboards,andsomeone’swatchtickedinthebuildingnextdoor.Allelsewasquiet.Buttheairaroundmesuddenlyfeltthicker,andtheceilinglowersomehow,andIbecameacutelyawarethattherewasnobackexitinthisroomofdeath.
“Whogoesthere?”Icalledintothedarkness,whirlingaround,myfangsbared.Andthencamemovement.Fangs,eyes,thethudoffootstepsclosedinaroundmefromallcorners.
Alow,gutturalgrowlechoedoffthebloodstainedwallsoftheshop,andIrealizedwithasickeningjoltthatIwassurroundedbyvampireswholookedalltooreadytopounce.
Chapter9
Icrouchedlow,myfangselongated.Theheadyscentofbloodpermeatedeverycorneroftheroom,makingmyheadspin.Itwasimpossibletoknowwheretoattackfirst.
Thevampiresgrowledagain,andIemittedalowsnarlinresponse.Thecircleclosedintighteraroundme.Therewerethreeofthem,andIwascaught,likeafishinanet,adeersurroundedbywolves.
“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?”oneofthevampiresasked.Helookedtobeinhismid-twentiesandhadascarthatranthelengthofhisface,fromhislefteyetothecornerofhislip.
“I’moneofyou,”Isaid,standingatmyfullheight,fangsondisplay.
“Oh,he’soneofus!”anoldervampiresaidinasing-songyvoice.Heworeglassesandatweedvestoverawhite-collaredshirt.Butforthefangsandred-rimmedeyes,hecouldhavebeenanaccountantorafriendofmyfather’s.
Ikeptmyfaceimpassive.“Ihavenoillbusinesswithyou,brothers.”
“Wearenotyourbrothers,”saidanotherwithtawnyhair.Helookednotadayoverfifteen.Hisfacewassmooth,buthisgreeneyeswerehard.
Theolderonesteppedforward,pokinghisbonyfingeragainstmychestasifitwereawoodenstake.“So,brother,niceeveningtodine…ordie.Whatdoyouthink?”
Theyoungvampirekneelednexttome,gazingintomyeyes.“Lookslikehe’lldobothtonight.Luckyboy,”hesaid,rufflingmyhair.Itriedtokickhim,butmyfootsimplyfloppedharmlesslyagainstair.
“No,no,no.”Whilethescarredvampirewatchedwordlessly,theboygrabbedmyarmsandwrenchedthemsosharplyandabruptlybehindmybackthatIgasped.“Don’tbedisrespectful.We’reyourelders.Andyou’vealreadydonequiteenoughdisrespectingalready,ifMissMolly’shouseisanyindication.”Hedrawledhernameasifhewereabenign,genteelSoutherngentleman.Onlythesteelgriponmylimbsbetrayedthathewasn’tanythingofthesort.
“Ididn’tdoanything,”Isaid,kickingagain.IfIweretodie,thenI’ddieinafight.
“Areyousure?”heasked,lookingdownatmeindisgust.Iattemptedtotwistaway,butstillIcouldn’tbudge.
Theeldervampirechuckled.“Can’tcontrolhisurges.Impulsive,thisone.Let’sgivehimatasteofhisownmedicine.”Withaflourish,hereleasedmefromhisgrasp,pushingmeforwardwithstrengthI’dneverbeforefelt.Ihittheplasterwallwithacrashandfellonmyshoulder,myheadcrackingagainstthewoodenfloorboards.
Icoweredbeneathmyattackers,therealizationsinkinginthatifIweretosurvivethisencounter,itwouldnotbebymight.“Ididn’tmeantodoanything.I’msorry,”Isaid,myvoicebreakingontheword.
“Doyoumeanit?”theyoungvampireasked,aglintinhiseye.Thesoundofwoodbreakingassaultedmyears.Iflinched.Wouldonevampirestakeanother?ThiswasnotaquestionIwantedansweredthehardway.
“Yes.Yes!Ididn’tmeantocomeinhere.Ididn’tknowanyonewashere.IonlyjustarrivedinNewOrleans,”Isaid,scramblingforanexcuse.
“Silence!”hecommanded,advancingtowardme,ajaggedpieceofwoodinhishand.Ipressedmyspineintothedamagedwall.Sothisishowitwouldend.Withmedyingonamakeshiftstake,killedbymyownkind.
Twohandscrushedmyarms,whileanothertwopinnedmyanklestogethersoforcefullythatitfeltasthoughIwerestuckunderboulders.Iclosedmyeyes.AnimageofFatherlyingproneonhisstudyfloorswamtotheforefrontofmymind,andIshookmyheadinagony,rememberinghissweating,terrifiedface.Ofcourse,I’dbeentryingtosavehim,buthehadn’tknownthat.Ifhewaswatching,asanangelorademonoramerespectercondemnedtohaunttheworld,he’dbethrilledtoseethissceneunfold.
Isqueezedmyeyestighter,tryingtoevokesomeothermemorytotheforeofmymind,onethatwouldtakemetoanotherplace,anothertime.ButallIcouldthinkofweremyvictims,ofthemomentwhenmyfangsslicedintotheirskin,theirplaintivewailsdescendingintosilence,theblooddrippingdownmyfangsandontomychin.Soon,allthebloodI’dtakenwouldbereleased,seepingoutofmyownbodyandbackintotheEarth,asIwaslefttodie,forrealthistime,forever,onthiswoodenfloor.
“Enough!”Afemalevoiceslicedthroughthemontageinmymind.Immediately,thevampiresletgoofmyhandsandfeet.Myeyessprangopen,andIsawawomanglidingthroughanarrowwoodendoorintheback.Herlongblondhairdescendedinasingleplaitdownherback,andsheworemen’sblackpantsandsuspenders.Shewastall,thoughslightasachild,andalltheothervampiresshrankawayfromherinfear.
“You,”shesaid,kneelingnexttome.“Whoareyou?”Herambereyesgazedintomine.Theywereclearandcurious,buttherewassomethingaboutthem—thedarknessofthepupils,perhaps—thatseemedancientandknowing,whichstoodinsharpcontrasttoherrosy-cheeked,unlinedface.
“StefanSalvatore,”Iansweredher.
“StefanSalvatore,”sherepeatedinaperfectItalianaccent.Althoughteasing,hervoicedidn’tseemunkind.Sheranafingergentlyalongmyjaw,thenplacedherpalmagainstmychestandshepressedmeagainstthewall,hard.Thesuddennessofthemovementstunnedme,butasIsat,pinnedandhelpless,shebroughtherotherwristtohermouth,usingherfangtopuncturethevein.Shedraggedherwristalongherteeth,creatingasmallstreamofblood.
“Drink,”shecommanded,bringingherwristtomylips.
IdidasIwastold,managingtogetafewdropsoftheliquiddownmythroatbeforesheyankedherhandaway.“That’senough.Thatshouldfixyourwoundsatanyrate.”
“Heandhisbrotherhavebeenwreakinghavocallovertown,”thelargevampiresaid,hismakeshiftstakepointedatmelikearifle.
“Justme,”Isaidquickly.“Mybrotherhadnopartinit.”Damonwouldneversurvivethewrathofthesedemons.Notinhisweakenedstate.
Theblondvampirewrinkledhernoseassheleanedevenclosertowardme.
“You’rewhat,aweekold?”sheasked,leaningbackonherheels.
“Almosttwoweeks,”Isaiddefiantly,liftingmychin.
Shenodded,ahintofasmileonherlips,andstood,surveyingtheshop.Theplasterwallwaspartiallycavedin,andbloodsmearedthefloorandspeckledthewalls,asthoughachildhadstoodinthecenteroftheroomandtwirledaroundwithawetpaintbrush.Shetsked,andthethreemalevampiressimultaneouslytookastepback.Ishivered.
“Percy,comehere,andbringthatknife,”shesaid.
Withasigh,theyoungestvampireproducedalongcarvingknifefrombehindhisback.
“Hewasn’tfollowingtherules,”hesaidpetulantly,remindingmeoftheGiffinboysbackhome.Theywerebothbullies,alwaysreadytokickakidintheschoolyardandthenturnaroundandtellateachertheyhadnothingtodowithit
Shetooktheknifeandstaredatit,runningthepadofherindexfingeroverthegleamingblade.ThenshehelditbackouttoPercy.Hehesitatedamoment,butfinallysteppedforwardtotakeit.Justthenthegirl’scanineselongatedandhereyesflushedbloodred.Withagrowl,shestabbedPercyrightinthechest.Hefelltohisknees,doubledoverinsilentagony.
“Youhuntthisvampireformakingasceneintown,”sheseethed,stabbingtheknifeinfarther,“andyetyouattempttodestroyhiminthispublicspace,inthisshop?You’rejustasfoolishasheis.”
Theyoungvampirestaggeredtohisfeet.Bloodstreameddownthefrontofhisshirt,asthoughhe’dspilledcoffeeonhimself.Hegrimacedashepulledtheknifeoutwithasuckingsound.“I’msorry,”hegasped.
“Thankyou.”ThewomanheldherwristtowardPercy’smouth.Despiteheryouthfullookandapparentlyviolenttemper,shealsohadamotheringqualitythattheothervampiresseemedtoaccept,asifherstabbingswereasnormaltothemasalightswatwouldbetoahigh-spiritedchild.
Sheturnedtowardme.“I’msorryforyourtroubles,Stefan.Now,canIhelpyoubeonyourway?”sheasked.
Ilookedaroundwildly.I’dthoughtnofurtheraheadthanescapingthisroom.“I…”
“…don’thaveanywheretogo,”shesaidwithasigh,finishingmythought.Sheglancedtowardtheothervampires,whowerenowhuddledinthecorneroftheroom,headsbentinconversation.
“I’lljustbegoing,”Isaid,strugglingtomyfeet.Mylegwasfine,butmyarmsshook,andmybreathcameerratically.Withlocalvampireswatchingmyeverymove,wherewouldIgo?HowwouldIfeed?
“Nonsense,you’recomingwithus,”shesaid,turningonherheelandwalkingoutthedoor.Shepointedtotheyoungvampireandtheonewhoworeglasses.“PercyandHugo,stayandcleanthisplaceup.”
Ihadtopracticallyruntokeepupwithherandthetall,scarredvampirewho’dwatchedmytorture.“You’llneedsomeonetoshowyouaround,”sheexplained,pausingonlyslightly.“ThisisBuxton,”shesaid,grabbingtheelbowofthevampirewiththelongscar.
Wewalkeddownstreetafterstreetuntilwenearedachurchwithatallspire.
“We’rehere,”shesaid,turningsharplytoenterawrought-irongate.Herbootsechoedagainstaslatepaththatledtotherearofahouse.Sheopenedthedoor,andamustyscentgreetedme.Buxtonimmediatelywalkedthroughtheparlorandupasetofstairs,leavingmeandtheyoungfemalevampirealoneinthedarkness.
“Welcomehome,”shesaid,spreadingherhandswide.“Thereareplentyofspareroomsupstairs.Findonethatsuitsyou.”
“Thankyou.”Asmyeyesadjustedtothedarkness,Itookinmysurroundings.Blackvelvetcurtainsfastenedwithgoldenropeblockedeverywindow.Dustmotesfloatedintheair,andgilt-framedpaintingscoveredthewalls.Thefurniturewasthreadbare,andIcouldjustmakeouttwosweepingstaircaseswithwhatlookedlikeorientalrunnersand,inthenextroom,apiano.Thoughatonepointthismusthavebeenagrandhouse,nowthesoiledwallswerecrackedandpeeling,andcobwebsdrapedoverthegold-and-crystalchandelieraboveus.
“Alwaysenterthroughtheback.Neverdrawbackthecurtains.Don’teverbringanyonehere.Doyouunderstand,Stefan?”Shelookedatmepointedly.
“Yes,”Isaid,runningafingeralongthemarblefireplace,cuttingapathintheinch-thickdust.
“ThenIthinkyouwilllikeithere,”shesaid.
Iturnedtofaceher,noddinginagreement.Mypanichadsubsided,andmyarmsnolongertrembled.
“I’mLexi,”shesaid,holdingoutherhand,allowingmetoraiseittomylipsandkissit.“IhaveafeelingthatyouandIwillbefriendsforalongtime.”
Chapter10
Iawokenextasduskwassettlingoverthecity.Frommywindow,Icouldseethegoldfish-orangesunsinkinglowbehindawhitesteeple.Theentirehousewassilent,andforamoment,Icouldn’trememberwhereIwas.Theneverythingcameback:thebutchershop,thevampires,mebeingflungagainstthewall.
Lexi.
Asifoncue,sheglidedintotheroom,barelymakingasoundasshepushedopenthedoor.Herblondhairwasloosearoundhershoulders,andshewaswearingasimpleblackdress.Iflookedatquickly,shecouldbemistakenforachild.ButIcouldtellfromtheslightcreasesaroundhereyesandthefullnessofherlipsthatshe’dbeenafull-grownwoman,probablyaroundnineteenortwenty.Ihadnoideahowmanyyearsshe’dseensincethen.
Sheperchedontheedgeofmybed,smoothingbackmyhair.
“Goodevening,Stefan,”shesaid,amischievousglintinhereye.Sheclutchedatumblerofdarkliquidbetweenherfingers.“Youslept,”shenoted.
Inodded.UntilI’dsunkintothefeatherbedonthethirdfloorofthehouse,Ihadn’trealizedthatI’dbarelysleptinthepastweek.Evenonthetrain,I’dalwaysbeentwitching,awareofthesighsandsnoresofmyfellowpassengersandalways,alwaysthesteadythrumofbloodcoursingthroughtheirveins.Butherenoheartbeatshadkeptmefromslumber.
“Ibroughtthisforyou,”shesaid,profferingtheglass.Ipusheditaway.Thebloodinitsmelledstale,sour.
“Youneedtodrink,”shesaid,soundingsomuchlikemespeakingtoDamonthatIcouldn’thelpbutfeelatinypangofirritation—andsorrow.Ibroughtthetumblertomylipsandtookatinysip,fightingtheurgetospititout.AsIexpected,thedrinktastedlikedankwaterandthescentmademefeelvaguelyill.
Lexismiledtoherself,asifenjoyingaprivatejoke.“It’sgoat’sblood.It’sgoodforyou.You’llmakeyourselfsick,thewayyouwerefeeding.Adietmadeexclusivelyofhumanbloodisn’tgoodforthedigestion.Orthesoul.”
“Wedon’thavesouls,”Iscoffed.ButIbroughtthecuptomylipsoncemore.
Lexisighedandtookthetumbler,placingitonthenightstandnexttome.“Somuchtolearn,”shewhispered,almosttoherself.
“Well,wehavenothingbuttime,right?”Ipointedout.Iwasrewardedwitharichlaugh,whichwassurprisinglyloudandthroatycomingfromherwaif-likebody.
“Youcatchonquickly.Come.Getup.It’stimetoshowyouourcity,”shesaid,handingmeaplainwhiteshirtandtrousers.
Afterchanging,Ifollowedherdownthecreakingwoodenstairstowheretheothervampiresmilledaboutintheballroom.Theyweredressedup,butalllookedfaintlyold-fashioned,asifthey’dsteppedoutofoneofthemanyportraitsonthewall.Hugosatatthepiano,playinganout-of-tunerenditionofMozartwhilewearingabluevelvetcape.Buxton,thehulking,violentvampire,waswearingaloose,ruffled,whiteshirt.andPercyhadonfadedbritchesandsuspendersthatmadehimlookasthoughhewererunninglatetoplayagameofballwithhisschoolmates.
Whentheysawme,thevampiresfroze.Hugomanagedaslightnod,buttherestmerelystaredinstonysilence.
“Let’sgo!”Lexicommanded,leadingourgroupoutthedoor,downtheslatepath,throughzigzaggingalleyways,andfinallyontoastreetmarkedBourbon.Eachentrywayledtoadimlylitbar,fromwhichinebriatedpatronsstumbledoutintothenightair.Suggestivelycladwomengatheredinclumpsbeneathawnings,andrevelersactedpunch-drunk,readytolaughorfightatamoment’snotice.IinstantlyknewwhyLexitookushere.Despiteouroddattire,weattractednomoreattentionthananyoftheotherlivelyrevelers.
Aswewalked,theothersflankedme,keepingmeinthecenteroftheircircleatalltimes.IknewIwasbeingwatchedsharply,andItriedtoremainunaffectedbythescentofbloodandtherhythmofbeatinghearts.
“Here!”Lexisaid,notbotheringtoconsulttherestofthegroupasshepushedopenasaloondoorthatreadMILADIESincurlicuescript.Iwasimpressedbyherboldness—backinMysticFalls,onlywomenofillreputewouldeverenterabarroom.ButasIwasfastrealizing,NewOrleanswasn’tMysticFalls.
ThefloorofMiladieswascakedwithsawdust,andIwincedattheoverwhelminglyacridsmellofsweat,whiskey,andcologne.Thetableswerepackedshouldertoshoulderwithmenplayingcards,gambling,andgossiping.OneentiresideoftheroomwasfilledwithUnionsoldiers,andinanothercorner,amotleybandconsistingofplayerswithanaccordion,twofiddles,andaflutewasplayingajauntyrenditionof“TheBattleHymnoftheRepublic.”
“Whatdoyouthink?”Lexiasked,leadingmetothebar.
“IsthisaUnionbar?”Iasked.TheUnionarmyhadcapturedthecitysomemonthsback,andsoldiersstoodsentinelonnearlyeverycorner,maintainingorderandremindingConfederatesthatthewartheywerefightinglookedtobealosingcause.
“Yes.Youknowwhatthatmeans,right?”
Iscannedtheroom.Asidefromthesoldiers,itwasasolitarycrowd.Singlemendrownedtheirlonelinessatwoodentables,barelyacknowledgingtheirneighbors.Thebartendersfilledglasseswithamechanicalair,neverseemingtoregisterthepeopleforwhomtheypouredtheirwares.
Iunderstoodimmediately.“Everyonehereisastrangerpassingthrough.”
“Exactly.”Lexismiled,clearlypleasedthatIwascatchingon.
Buxtonclearedhisthroatindisapproval.Icouldtellhedidn’tlikeme—thathewaswaitingformetoslipupsohecouldstakemewithoutincurringLexi’swrath.
“Hugo,findusatable!”Lexicommanded.Hugowalkedhishulkishframeovertoarough-hewntablenexttotheband.Beforehecouldevenopenhismouth,theblue-coatedsoldiersatthetableglancedateachotherandstoodup,leavinghalf-filledmugsbehind.
Lexipulledouttwochairs.“Stefan,sitnexttome.”
Isat,vaguelyembarrassedthatIwassocompliant,likeachild.ButIremindedmyselfthatevenHugofollowedherlead.LexihadPower,andsheknewhowtouseit.
Percy,Hugo,andBuxtonalsosettledaround.
“Now,”Lexisaid,takingoneoftheabandonedbeermugsandwavingitaroundintheair,justasthewaitressapproachedus.“Let’steachyouhowtobehaveinpublic.”
Mycheeksflushedwithanger.“Iambehaving,”Isaidthroughclenchedteeth.“Despitethefactthattherearesomanypeoplethatit’snearlyimpossibletoconcentrate.”
PercyandHugosnickered.
“He’snotready…”Buxtonsaidinasurlytone.
“Yes,heis.”Lexi’swordswerelowandslightlymenacing.Buxtonclenchedhisjaw,clearlytryingtoreininhistemper.Ishiftedinmychair.IsuddenlyfeltlikeIwastenyearsoldagain,withDamonprotectingmefromtheGiffinbrothers.Onlythistimeitwasagirlstandingupforme.IwasabouttopointoutthatIdidn’tneedLexitoanswerformewhensheplacedahandonmyknee.Thetouchwasgentleandcalmedme.
“Itgetseasier,”shesaid,brieflycatchingmyeyes.“So,lessonone,”shestated,addressingtheentiregroup.Akindnessonherpart,Irealized,sinceIwastheonlyonewhodidn’tknowthefinerpointsofbeingavampire.“Lessononeislearninghowtocompelwithoutdrawingattentiontoyourself.”Sheleanedbackandeyedtheband.“Idon’tlikethissong.Stefan,whatsongwouldyouliketohear?”
“Uh…”Iglancedaroundthetable,confused.Percysnickeredagain,butstoppedwhenLexiglaredathim.“‘GodSavetheSouth’?”Isaidhesitantly.Thefirstthingthatcametomyhead,itwasatuneDamonusedtowhistlewhenhewasonleavefromthearmy.
Lexiscootedherchairback,thelegskickingupalayerofsawdust.ShesaunteredovertothebandandlookedeachofthemembersintheeyeasshesaidsomethingIcouldn’thear.
Thebandstoppedmid-chordandimmediatelyswitchedto“GodSavetheSouth.”
“Hey!”onesoldiershouted.Hiscomradesglancedatoneanother,clearlywonderingwhyabandinaUnionbarhadsuddenlybeeninspiredtoplayapro-Southernsong.
Lexigrinned,asifdelightedbyhertrick.“Areyouimpressed?”
“Very,”Isaid,meaningit.EvenPercyandHugonoddedinagreement.
Lexitookasipofherbeer.“Yourturn.Picksomeone,”shesaid.
Iglancedaroundthebar,myeyecatchingonadark-hairedbarmaid.Hereyesweredeepbrown,andherhairwastiedinalowknotatthenapeofherneck.Herlipswereparted,andsheworeacameopendantthatnestledinthenotchofherneck.Inthesplitsecondbetweenseeingandknowing,IwasremindedofKatherine.IthoughtofmyfirstglimpseofMissMolly,andhowI’dmistakenherforKatherineaswell.ItfeltasthoughmymakerwereintenttohauntmeinNewOrleans.
“Her,”Isaid,noddingtowardthegirl.
Lexilookedatmesharply,asifsheknewtherewasastorybehindthisdecision.Butshedidn’tpry.“Clearyourmind,”shesaidinstead,“andallowyourenergytoenterher.”
Inodded,rememberingthemomentonthetrainwhenmythoughtshadtouchedLavinia’s.Ifixedmygazeonthebarmaid.Shewaslaughing,herheadtiltedbacktowardtheceiling,butassoonasmyfocuslockedonher,hereyesloweredtomine,almostasifI’dbiddenhertodoso.
“Good,”Leximurmured.“Now,useyourmindtotellherwhatyouwantfromher.”
ThatwasthepieceIhadmissed.WhenI’dtriedtocompeltheconductor,I’dhadthousandsofthoughtsaboutpossiblescenariosthatcouldhappenduringourinteraction,butIhadnotaskedforanyofthem.
Comehere,Iwilled,staringintoherliquidchocolateeyes.Cometome.Foramomentsheheldherplacebehindthebar,butthenshetookahesitantstepforward.Yes,keepgoing.Shesteppedforwardagain,moreconfidentlythistime,makingherwaytowardme.Ihadexpectedhertolookdazed,almostasthoughsheweresleepwalking.Butshedidn’tappeartobeinatrance.Toanybystander,shecouldhavesimplybeencomingtoourtabletotakeourdrinkorders.
“Hello,”Isaidwhenshereachedus.
“Don’tbreakeyecontact,”Lexiwhispered.“Tellherwhatyouwanthertodonow.”
Sitdown,Ithought.And,almostinstantly,thegirlwedgedherselfbetweenmeandBuxton,herthighwarmagainstmine.
“Hello,”shesaidunblinkingly.“It’sthestrangestthing,butsuddenlyIjustknewthatIneededtositherewithyou.”
“I’mStefan,”Isaid,shakingherhand.Myfangselongated,andthesidesofmystomachknockedtogether.Iwantedher.Badly.
“Don’tembarrassus,”cameLexi’sfinalwordsbeforesheturnedfrommetofacetheband.Itwasclearthatwhileshewasn’tcondoninganyofmysubsequentactions,shewasn’tnecessarilycondemningthem.
Invitemeoutside,Ithought,placingmyhandonthebarmaid’sthigh.ButevenasIthoughtthewords,IglancedatLexi,breakingmyconnectionwiththegirl.
Thegirlshifted,pulledherhairup,thendroppeditdownonherback.Sheglancedattheband,rubbingherforefingerontherimofaglass.
Invitemeoutside,Ithoughtagain,refocusingmyattentionfullyonher.Sweatprickledmytemple.HadIlosttheconnectionforgood?
Butthenshegaveaslightnod.“Youknow,it’sawfullyloudinhere,andIwanttospeakwithyou.Wouldyoumindifwewentoutside?”sheasked,staringatme.
Istoodup,mychairscrapingagainstthefloor.“I’dlikethatverymuch,”Isaid,offeringhermyarm.
“Bringherbackalive,boy,oryou’llbeansweringtome,”saidavoicesolowthatIwonderedifI’dimaginedit.
ButwhenIturnedback,Leximerelysmiledandwaved.
Chapter11
Outside,IletthegirlleadmeawayfromthedrunkencrowdandtowardasidealleybeyondabarcalledCalhoun’s.
“I’msorry,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Idon’tknowwhatcameoverme.I’musuallynotsofresh,it’sjustthat—”
“I’mthankfulforit,”Isaid,interruptingher.Sheshivered,andIputmyarmsaroundherthinframe.Instantly,shepulledaway.
“You’resocold!”shesaidinanaccusatorytone.
“AmI?”Iasked,feigningnonchalance.Youwanttokissme,Ithought.
Sheshrugged.“It’sokay.It’sjustthatI’msensitivetotemperature.ButIknowawaywecouldbothwarmup.”Shesmiledshyly,thenraiseduptohertiptoes.Herlipspressedagainstmine,andforamoment,Iallowedmyselftoenjoytheirwarmthandfeelthegirl’sbloodracethroughherveinsasshegaveherselfovertome.
ThenIlungedforherneck.
“Ow!”Sheprotested,tryingtopushmeoff.“Stop!”
Youwillsuccumb,becauseifyoudothat,I’llletyoulive,Ithought,usingeveryfiberofmybeingtocompelheratthiscrucialmoment.Shegazedupatme,confusioninhereyes,beforeshefellbackovermyarms,herfaceamaskofsleepysatisfaction.
Itookafewmoresipsoftheblood,alltooconsciousofLexiandtheothersbackinside.ThenIdraggedthewomanuptoherfeet.I’dbeencareful.TheholesI’dmadeinherneckweretiny,almostimpossibletoseewithhumanvision.Still,Iadjustedherscarfaroundhernecktocoverthemup.
“Wakeup,”Iwhisperedsoftly.
Hereyesopened,thegazeunfocused.“What…whereamI?”Icouldsenseherheartbeatingfaster,senseherreadytoletlooseascream.
“Youwerehelpingadrunkcustomer,”Itoldher.“Youarefreetogo.Iwassimplymakingsureyouwereokay.”
Shesnappedtoattention,herbodyrelaxing.“Iapologize,sir.Usually,thepatronsdon’tgetsorowdyatMiladies.Thankyouforassistingme.I’llgiveyouawhiskey,onthehouse,”shesaid,winkingatme.
IwalkedintoMiladiesbesideher,andwasrewardedwithLexi’sslowsmilefromthecornertable.
Goodjob,boy.
Ifollowedthegirluntilshesafelyresumedherpositionbehindthepolishedwoodcounterofthebar.
“What’syourpoison?”sheasked,whiskeybottleinhand.Shelookedpale,asifshewerecomingdownwithaslightcold.Meanwhile,herbloodwaswarminmystomach.
“I’vedrunkquiteenough,thankyou,miss,”Isaid,asItookherhandandbroughtituptomylips,kissingitastenderlyasI’dmarkedherneck.
Chapter12
ThefollowingeveningLexiknockedonmybedroomdoor.Sheworeablackcoatandmatchingtrousers.Acaphidmostofherhair,saveforafewblondtendrilsthatfelllooseandframedherface.
“Iwasproudofyoulastnight,”shesaid.Ismiled,despitemyself.ItwassurprisinghowquicklyItooktoseekingLexi’sapproval.“Howmuchdidyoutakefromthebarmaid?”
“Nottoomuch.ButIwantedmore,”Iadmitted.
AlookIcouldn’tquitedecipherpassedoverherface.“Iusedtobelikeyou,youknow.Butthemoreyoufeedfromhumans,thehungrieryouget.It’sacurse.Butthereareotherways.Haveyouhuntedforanimals’blood?”
Ishookmyheadno.
“Well,luckilyforyou,I’mgoinghuntingnow,”shesaid,“andyou’recomingwithme.Putondarkclothesandmeetmedownstairsinfiveminutes.”
Ishruggedonadark,military-lookingjacketI’dfoundhangingintheclosetandraceddownstairs,loathtoputoffhuntingwithLexiforevenfiveminutes.WhileIbristledatBuxton’scommentsabouthowinexperiencedIwas,whenIhearditfromLexi,Iwasonlyeagerforalessononhowourkindsurvived.
Wewalkedoutthedoor,notraceofsunlightintheinkyblacksky.Isniffedtheair,searchingoutthescentofthenearesthuman,thenstoppedwhenIsawLexistaringatmewithaknowinglook.
Insteadofturningleft,towardthebustleofBourbonStreet,sheturnedright,snakingthroughsidestreetsuntilwereachedaforest.Aboveusthetreeswerebareandghostlyagainstthedarknightsky,themoonouronlylight.
“Therearedeerhere,”Lexisaid,“andsquirrels,bears,rabbits.Ithinkthere’sadenoffoxesthatway,”sheadded,walkingintothethick,mossywoods.“Theirbloodsmellsearthierthanhumanblood,andtheirheartsbeatmuchmorerapidly.”
Ifollowedherlead.Quicklyandsilently,wedartedfromtreetobushwithoutdisturbingtheunderbrush.Inaway,itfeltlikewewereplayingagameofhide-and-seek,orjustplayingathunting,thewayyoungschoolboysdo.Afterall,asahuman,I’dalwayscarriedaweapononthehunt.NowallIhadweremyfangs.
Lexiheldupahand.Ipaused,midstep,myeyesdartingeverywhere.Ididn’tseeanythingbutthicktrunksandracingantsinjaggedstumps.Then,withoutwarning,Lexilunged.Whenshestoodup,bloodwasdrippingfromherfangs,andaself-satisfiedsmileappearedonherface.Acreaturelayonthefallenleaves,itslegsbentasifitwerestillmid-run.
Shegesturedtothelumpoforangish-redfur.“Foxisn’tbad.Wouldyouliketotryit?”
Ikneltdown,mylipscurlingastheymadecontactwiththeroughfur.Iforcedmyselftogingerlytakeasipofliquid,though,asIknewitwaswhatLexiwanted.Isuckedin,andimmediatelythebloodsearedmytongue.Ispititoutviolently.
“Foxisanacquiredtaste,Isuppose,”Lexisaidasshekneltonthegroundbymyside.“Moreforme,atleast!”
WhileLexifed,Ileanedagainstatreetrunkandlistenedtotherustlingsoundsoftheforest.Thebreezeshifted,andsuddenlythescentofiron-richbloodwaseverywhere.Itwassweetandspicy,anditwasn’tcomingfromLexi’sfox.
Somewhere,nearby,therewasahumanheart,beatingoutseventy-twothu-thudsaminute.
CautiouslyIslippedpastLexi,andventuredoutpasttheperimeteroftheforest.Setupontheedgeofthelakewasashantytown.Tentswerepitchedateveryangle,andmakeshiftclotheslinesranbetweenwoodenposts.Thewholesetuplookedhaphazard,asiftheinhabitantsknewthey’dhavetopickupandrelocateatanysecond.
Thecamplookeddesertedsaveforonewomanwhowasbathing,themoonlightstrikingherivoryskin.Shewashummingtoherself,washingthecakeddirtoffherhandsandface.
Ihidbehindalargeoaktree,pretendingtotakethewomanbysurprise.Butthenalargepaintedposteronaneighboringtreecaughtmyeye.Itookasteptowardit.Abranchcracked,thewomanwhirledaround,andIcouldsenseLexibehindme.
“Stefan,”Leximurmured,obviouslyawareoftheunfoldingscene.Butthistime,Iwastheonetoholdupmyhandtosilenceher.Mistfloatedovertheportraitonthesign,buttheprintingwasclear:PATRICKGALLAGHER’SFREAKSHOW:VAMPIREVERSUSBEAST.BATTLETOTHEDEATH!OCTOBER8.
Iblinked,andtheportraitswamintomyvision.Itwasofadark-hairedmanwithchiseledfeaturesandpale-blueeyes.Histeethwerebared,hiscanineselongated,andhewascrouchedoppositeasnarlingmountainlion.
IknewthefaceontheposterbetterthanIknewmyown.
ItwasDamon.
Chapter13
Damon.Death.
ThewordsswaminmymindasItriedtomakesenseofwhatIwasseeing.Damonwasalive.Butwhoknewforhowlong?Ifhehadbeencaptured,hewasundoubtedlyweak.Howcouldhefacearavenousbeastinabattleandsurvive?
Angertorethroughmybody,alongwiththefamiliaracheofmyfangselongating.Irippeddownthesignwithasnarl.
“Whatisit?”shehissed,herownfangsbared.
Iheldupthepaper.
“Mybrother,”Isaid,staringwithoutcomprehensionattheposter.Thepicturemadehimlooklikeamonster.Myeyetwitched.“Thebattleisintwodays.”
Lexinodded,takingintheportrait.
“Gallagherfoundhim,”shesaid,almosttoherself.
Ishookmyhead,notunderstandingwhatshemeant.
Shesighed.“Bigbusinessman.Heownsalotofplacesintown,includingatwo-bitcircusandfreakshow.Alwayslookingforcuriositiestodisplay,andpeoplealwaysseemtofindthemoneytoattend.Yourbrother—”
“Damon,”Isaid,cuttingheroff.“HisnameisDamon.”
“Damon,”Lexisaidgently,tracingtheimagewithherfingers.
“Hedoesn’tdeservethis,”Isaid,almosttomyself.“Ineedtohelphim.But…”Itrailedoff.Butwhat?HowcouldIpossiblysavehim?
“We’llneedtofindhim,”Lexidecided.Shebrushedleavesanddirtfromthebackofherpants.“Doyoutrustme?”
DidIhaveachoice?Myhungerforgotten,Ifollowedherthroughtheforestandbacktothewide,silentstreetsofthecity.
“GallagherlivessomewhereintheGardenDistrictwithalltheothernouveauxriches.OnLaurelStreet,Ithink,”Leximurmuredaswewoveourwaytothecenteroftown.“Thishashappenedbefore,soonafterGallagherarrivedinNewOrleansfiveyearsago.”
“Whathappened?”Iasked,followingcloselybehindherintheshadows.
“Hefoundavampire.He’sgoodatfindingus.Ormaybewe’regoodatfindinghim.Buttheothervampirewasn’tpartofmyfamily.And…”Shestoppedsuddenly.
“Whathappenedtohim?”
ButLeximerelyshookherhead.We’darrivedattheGardenDistrict,wherethestreetswerewideandthelawnshuggingthesherbet-coloredVictorianhouseswerelushandexpansive.
“Here.”Shestoppedatapistachio-huedmansionenclosedbyanopenwrought-ironfence.Magnoliasandcallaliliesspilledoverthegate,andtheairsmelledlikemint.Justbeyond,Icouldseeanenormousherbgardenthattookupafifthoftheproperty.Irecoiledaswewalkedcloser,asthegardengrewagenerousamountofvervain.
Lexiwrinkledhernose.“Heknowsallthetricks,”shesaidwryly.
Wepushedopenthegate,ourfootstepsbarelycrunchingthegravelonthepaththatcircledthehouse.Cicadasbuzzedinthesycamoretreesaboveus,andIcouldhearhorsespacinginthestable.
AndthenIheardalowmoan.
“He’soutback,”Isaid.
Lexigazedupatthesky.Orangestreakswerestartingtopeekabovethehorizon;itwasaboutanhouruntildaybroke.“It’stooclosetodawn,”Lexisaid.“Ididn’trealizehowlateitis.Ihavetogo.”
Ilookedathersharply.
“I’mnotprotected.”Herfingersflutteredtomyring,andIglanceddownself-consciously.Thelapuslazuliadornmenthadbecomesomuchapartofme,I’dforgottenthatitmademedifferentfromothervampires,mademeabletowalkinthedaylight.KatherinehadarrangedforbothDamonandmetohavethisprotection.
“We’llcomebacktomorrow.Theotherscanhelpusthen,”Lexiinsisted.
Ishookmyhead.“Ican’tleavehim.”
Birdschirpedinthetreesaboveus,andfromsomewherenearbycamethesoundofglassshattering.Theorangestreaksintheskygrewfatter,brighter.“Iunderstand,”Lexisaidfinally.“Besafe.Don’tplaythehero.”
Inodded,scanningthegroundsforanyguardsoranimalslyinginwaittoattack.WhenIlookedup,LexiwasgoneandIwasalone.
Stealingquicklytothebackofthehouse,Imademywaytowardthewhitewashedstable.Horsespawedthegroundnervously,obviouslysensingmypresence.Thestabledoorswerepadlockedwithanironbolt.Igrabbedthechain,testingit.EventhoughI’dbarelyfedsincethepreviousevening,itwouldbeeasyenoughtorendthechainswithmybarehands.Butsomethingstoppedme.Don’tplaythehero.Lexi’swordsechoedinmymind.Shehadbecomemyguideduringthepastcoupleofdays,andIknewitwasinmybestinteresttolistentoher.Betternottoleaveanyevidenceofanintruder,bettertogetthelayofthelandbeforedoinganythingrash.
Ireleasedthechain,anditfellbackagainstthedoorwithaloudclankingsound.Ahorsewhinnied.Iwalkedtotheothersideofthestable,whereadustywindowwasopenacrack.
“Brother?”Iwhisperedhoarselythroughthewindow.Thecloyingscentofvervainwaseverywhere,makingmewoozyandnauseated.
Inthecorner,afilthyfigurestruggledtositup.Damon.Hishandsandfeetwereboundwithchains,andhisskinwascoveredinangryredwelts.Thechainsmusthavebeensoakedinvervain.Iwincedinsympathy.
Damon’seyeslockedonmine.
“Youfoundme,”hesaid,noemotioninhisface.“AreyouhappytoseethatI’mclosetodeath,brother?”
“I’mheretosaveyou,”Isaidsimply.Thehorseswerekickingupthesawdustaroundtheirfeetinagitation;Ididn’thavemuchtimebeforesomeoneinthehouseheardthedisturbance.
Damonshrugged,aneffortthatclearlytookallhisenergy.Hiseyeswerebloodshotandglassy.Alargecutlinedhisforehead,slicingintohiseyebrow.Helookedawfulandemaciated;itwasclearhehadn’teatenindays.
Iglancedaround,hopingIcouldfindsomething—asquirrel,arabbit,achipmunk—tokillandtosstohim,buttherewasnothing.
“Sothecold-bloodedkillerisgoingtosaveme.”Damonattemptedawansmile.Heleanedbackagainstthewall,hischainsrattling.
“Yes,wehaveto—”
Suddenly,Iheardthesoundofadoorslamming,thenadogbarking.Iwhirledaroundtowardthemainhouse.
“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?”avoiceyelledout.AndIstood,myhandsraisedtothesky,unsureofwho—orwhat—hadfoundmethistime.
Chapter14
Myhandsstillintheair,Ipressedmylipstogether.I’dalreadylearnedthatanysignofstresscausedmyfangstobulgeandmypupilstogrowlarger;Ididn’twanttopreparetoattackuntilIknewwhatIwasdealingwith.
“Jake?Charley?”afemalevoicecalledastwoburlymenrantowardmefromthemainhouse.Althoughtwicemybulk,theyweredefinitelyhuman.Eachmangrabbedoneofmyarms,thoughInotedwithcoldcalculationthatitwouldtakeonlyonequicktwisttoshakebothoffbeforeIlungedformyattack.
ButIfoughtwitheverycoreofmybeingtostaystill,myhandshighintheair,hopingI’djustlooklikeacommonvagrant.TherewasnoguaranteethatafightwouldleadtoDamon’srescue.
Agirlwalkedtowardmefromtheporchandstoppedafootaway.
“Iapologize,”Isaidtoher.ItriedtomakemyvoicesoundlikeIwasnervouslygaspingforbreath.“Ididn’trealizethiswasprivateproperty.I’mnewtotown,andIwasinthetavern,and,well…”Itrailedoff,unsureofwhethermylieswouldgetmeintoevendeepertrouble.
“Youthoughtyou’dstealfromme?”Thegirlsteppedforward.Herhairtumbledinflamingcurlsdownherback,andsheworewhatlookedsuspiciouslylikeavervainwreathonherhead.Shehadonawhitenightdress,butshewaswearingmen’sboots,andIcouldseecallusesonherhands.Thoughshewasclearlyfromawealthyfamily,thiswasnocoddledcitygirl.
“No.No!Iwasn’tstealing,Iwasjustlookingforthevampire,”Isaid.
Sheknithereyebrowstogether.“Tostealhim…?”sheaskedleadingly,handsonherhips.
“No!”Isaidagain,myarmjerkinginvoluntarily.Oneofthemenholdingmedroppedmyarminsurprise.“No,”Isaidagain,forcingmyselftoremainstill.“Isawtheposterfortheshowdownbythelake,and,well,Iguessmycuriositygotthebestofme.”Ishrugged.
Aroostercrowed.Sunlightslowlyspilledoverthebackyard.Iglanceddownatmygleamingring,thankfulthatLexihadleft.
“Okay,then,”thegirlsaid.Shesnappedherfingers,andthetwolargemendroppedmyarms.“Ifyouarenewtotown,thenwheredoyoucomefrom?”
“Mys…Mississippi,”Ifibbed.“Rightacrosstheriver.”
Sheopenedhermouthasiftosaysomething,thenclosedit.“Well,welcometoNewOrleans,”shesaid.“Idon’tknowwhatthingsarelikebackinMississippi,butyoucan’tgosneakingintopeople’sbackyardslookingattheirlivestock.Andthenexttimeyoumaynotmeetsomeoneasfriendlyasme.”
Ifoughtmyurgetosnortatherideaoffriendliness,givenmybrother’swretchedstate.
“So,what’syourname,stranger?”
“Stefan,”Isaid.“AreyouMissGallagher?”
“Smart,”sheobservedsarcastically.“ThatIam.CallieGallagher.”
Oneofthelargemensteppedtowardherprotectively.
“Leaveus,”shecommanded.“I’llescortMr.Stefanout.”
“Thankyou,”IsaidcontritelyasIfollowedheraroundthelonggravelpath,pastthesun-roomofthehouse,andtowardthegate.“Thanksfortrustingme,”Isaid.
“WhosaysItrustyou?”sheaskedsharply,butanamusedsmileflittedacrossherlips.
“Well,then,perhapsIshouldthankyoufornotlettingyourbruteskillme.”
Shesmiledagain,widerthistime.Herteethwerepearlywhite,andoneofherfrontteethwasslightlycrooked.Frecklesdustedherupturnednose.Shesmelledsweet,likeoranges.IrealizedithadbeenalongtimesinceIhadfoundawomanbeautifulformorethanthesweetsmellofherblood.Butcrueltylaybehindherbeauty,becausethiswomanwasresponsibleformybrother’simprisonment.
“Maybeyou’retoohandsometobekilled.Andeveryonedeservesalittlekindness,don’tyouthink?”
Igazedathercallusedhands,athoughtenteringmymind.“Woulditbetooforwardofmetoaskformoreofyourkindness?”
Callienarrowedhereyes.“Dependsonwhatyouaskfor.”
“Ajob,”Isaid,straighteningmyshoulders.
Thegirlshookherheadincredulously.“Youwantmetohireyou?Afteryoutrespassedonmyproperty?”
“Thinkofitasanexpressionofmydriveandmyenthusiasmfor…freaks,”Isaid,theliesnowfloatingeasilyfrommytongue.“Beingnew,I’vehadtroublefindingwork,andtobehonest,I’vealwayswantedtobepartofacircus.”
Shesetherjaw,andIwasworriedshe’dsuddenlycallherhenchmenonme.Butthenshelookedupanddownatmyfadedtrousersandsighed.“IhaveafeelingI’llregretthis,butcomedowntoLakeRoadtomorrownight.Wedoneedanewtickettaker—ourlastoneranoffwithoneofthefatladies.You’llneedtoarriveearly—andstaylate.It’sgoingtobebusytomorrownightbecauseofthefight.”
“Right.Thefight,”Isaid,onceagainclenchingmyfistsandbitingbackwordsofanger.
“Yes.”Shesmiledsomewhatruefully.“Thenyou’llhavethechancetoseeyourvampireinaction.”
“IsupposeIwill,”Isaid,turningonmyheelandexitingthewrought-irongate.ButifIhadmyway,noonewouldseethe“vampireinaction”becauseDamonandIwouldbelonggonebeforethefightevercommenced.
Chapter15
October7,1864
Somethinghaschanged.Maybeitismerelyage,asortofhyper-maturationintotheroleofanadultvampire.MaybeitisLexi’stutelage.OrthefactthatIamfacedwithanactualchallenge,adeath-defyingchallenge,andIsimplyknowIcan’texpendmyenergykillingforsport.Whateverthecause,theresultisthesame.Thoughthescentofbloodisstilleverywhere,Inolongerfeelcompelledtohuntforsport.Huntingisdistracting.Myhungerissomethingtobesatedquicklyratherthanenjoyably.
Ofcourse,thequestionis,howwillIfreeDamon?Attackeveryoneinsight,creatingameleeofdestruction?ConvinceCallietoshedhervervainwreathsoIcancompelhertodomybidding?
ButCallieseemstohaveapowerallherown.Thatmuchiscleartoherhenchmen,andtome.
Ofcourse,myPowerisstronger.IhavenodoubtthatI’llpersevere.I’llsaveDamon,andthenI’llrewardmyselfwithadrinkfromCallie’sneck.
Ispenttheentiredaypacingmyroom,cuttingapaththroughthedustthatlinedthewoodenfloor.PlanstofreeDamonflittedthroughmyheadonebyone,butjustasquicklyastheycame,Ishotthemdownforbeingtoodaring,toorisky,toodestructive.I’dalreadylearnedfromthesiegeonthevampiresinMysticFallsthatonefalsemovecancauseadominoeffectofviolenceanddespair.
“Youlooklikeacagedanimal,”Lexisaid,appearingatmydoorway.Hervoicewaslight,butworrylinescreasedherforehead.
Iletoutalowgrowlandrakedmyhandsthroughmyhair.“Ifeellikeacagedanimal.”
“Haveyouthoughtofaplanyet?”
“No!”Iexhaledloudly.“AndIdon’tevenknowwhyI’mtrying.Hehatesme.”Ilookeddown,suddenlyashamed.“Heblamesmeforturninghimintowhatwearenow.”
Lexisighedandclosedthedistancebetweenus.Shetookmyhand.“Followme.”Sheledmeoutoftheroomandwalkedslowlydownthestairs,runningherpalefingersalongtheportraitsthatlinedthewalls.Allthepaintingswerecoveredwithalayerofgrime.Iwonderedhowlongthey’dbeenhangingonthewalls,andwhetheranyofthesubjectsstillroamedtheEarth—aliveorundead.
Attheverybottomstair,Lexistoppedandpulledaportraitoffthewall.Itwasnewerthantheothers,withagoldframeandtheglasspolishedtoagleam.Ayoung,serious-lookingblondboystaredoutatme.Hisblueeyescontainedahintofsadness,andhiscleftchinjuttedindefiance.Helookedincrediblyfamiliar.
Myeyeswidened.“Isthatyour—”
“—brother,”Lexisaid.“Yes.”
“Ishe…”Itrailedoff,notwantingtofinishthesentence.
“No,he’snotwithusanymore,”shesaid,tracingthecleftoftheboy’schinwithherindexfinger.
“Howdidhedie?”Iasked.
“Doesitmatter?”shesaid,hervoicesharp.
“No,Isupposeitdoesn’t.”Itouchedtheedgeofthephoto.“Whydoyoukeepit?”
Shesighed.“It’saconnectiontothepast—towhoIusedtobebeforeIwas”—shegestureddownthelengthofherbody—“beforeIbecamethis.It’simportantnottolosethatfinalthreadofattachmenttohumanity.”Hergazegrewserious.
Iknewwhatshemeant:Remainingconnectedtoherhumanitywashowshemaintainedcontrolandwhyshemadethechoicetofeedonlyfromanimals.
“So,areyoureadytosavehim?”
Asusual,Lexididn’twaitforananswer,andIhadtohustleoutthedoorbehindher.Together,wewalkedinsilencetowardGallagher’splaceunderthecoveroftheinkynight.
FifteenminuteslaterweturnedthecornerontoLaurelStreetandthehousecameintoview.Atallmanwithsalt-and-pepperhairwasclimbingthestairsofthewhitestructure,tappingeachstepwithagold-tippedcane.Behindhimweretwoblack-suitedmen.Thethreewereengagedinintenseconversation.
Lexiputherhandonmine.“Gallagher.”
Themenpausedontheporch.“I’mtellingyou,thevampireIhaveistherealthing.Icouldhavehimkilledandsellyouhisblood.You’dmakeafortunemarketingitasthefountainofyouthoranelixiroflife,”Gallaghersaidroughly.
Mystomachplummeted.Damon’sbodywasbeingdividedbeforehewasevendead.
“Blood,”astockymanmused,rubbinghisbaldheadasifitwereacrystalball.“I’mjustnotsurepeoplewouldtrythat.Buthowmuchwouldyousellthefangsfor?”
Themenenteredthehome,shuttingthewoodendoorwithadefinitivethud.
Isniffedtheair.Thecloyingscentofvervainburnedmynose,butIdidn’tsenseDamonanywhere.
Lexipushedthegatesopenandsteppedontothelawn.
“Whatareyoudoing?”Ihissed.“Idon’tthinkDamon’shereanymore.”
“Yes,butyouneedtoknowexactlywhoandwhatyou’reupagainst.Themoreyouknow,thebetteryoucangaugewhatthebestcourseofactionwillbe,”shesaid.
Inodded,andtogetherwestoleintheshadowstowardthemainhouse.Weduckedunderawindowledgeandkneltinordertoescapenotice;wecouldjustmakeoutthesceneunfoldingintheparloratthebackofthehouse.Gallagher’svoicedriftedthroughtheopenwindowashetookaseatinamaroonleatherclubchair,hisfeetupandaglassofportalreadyinhishands.Heworealargegoldringonhisfinger.
Inthefarcorner,CallieGallaghersatinapairofweatheredoverallsandawhitelinenshirt.Herredhairfelldownherbackinavervain-lacedbraid,andherheadwasbentassheporedoveraledgerbook.Agarlandofvervainwasstrungalongthemarblemantle,andInoticedafewvampiremuzzles—thesamesortthatmyfatherhadusedtosubdueKatherine—tossedcarelesslyonanendtable.
“Ihavesomethingelsethatmightinterestyou,”Gallaghersaid,lockingeyeswiththeelderlymanwhiletheothersat,silently.“Ididn’twanttobringitupoutonthestreet.”
“Yes?”Themanleanedforward.Hisvoicesoundeddisinterested,butherubbedhisstubbyfingerstogethereagerly.
“Themonsterwearsaring.It’sanunusualone.Silverwithabluestone,butitseemstogivehimadditionalpower.Noneofmymenhavebeenabletogetitoffhisfinger,butwhenhe’sdead…”
“Father!”Callieinterjected.Thetwomenstaredather.
“Yes,girl?”Gallagherasked,hisvoicedangerouslylow.
“I’vebeenlookingoverthebooks,andwe’llmakeafortuneifhe’skeptalive.It’sthebestfortheshow.”Thoughherexpressionwasallbusiness,hertonedidn’tactuallysoundmercenary.
“Myboss.”Gallagherlaughedruefully,butfromthewaytheveininhistemplethrobbed,Icouldtellhedidn’tappreciateCallie’sinterjection.“Girl,canyougetussomebrandy?”
Calliestoodupandstalkedoutoftheroom.Iwassurprisedtofeelasliverofsympathy—andkinship—withher.Iknewwhatitwasliketohaveaheadstrongfather.I’dwantednothingmorethantopleasehim,butGiuseppeSalvatorealwaysthoughtheknewbest.Idaredtodisagreeonlyonce,andhekilledmeforit
“AsIwassaying,thering…”Gallaghersaid.Isnappedbacktoattention.
“YoukillthatmonsterandI’llbuyitall.Thefangs,theblood,thering.Everything.AndI’llgiveyouaverygoodprice,”theelderlymansaidinatremblingvoice,barelyconcealinghisexcitement.
BeforeIcouldpounce,shatteringtheglassthatseparatedmefromthemanwhowastryingtosellmybrotherinbitsandpieces,aniron-firmgripclaspedmyarmsbehindmeanddraggedmebackouttothestreet.
“Getaholdofyourself,Stefan!”Lexihissedasshepulledmealongthesidewalk.WhenshereachedthecornerofLaurelStreet,sheletmego.
“Thatman…isasadist!”Ifumed.
“He’sabusinessman.Hewantstokillyourbrother,andiftheyfindoutaboutyou,they’llcertainlywanttokillyoutoo,”Lexisaid,pushingherblondbraidoverhershoulder.
Mymindspun.“Whataboutthegirl?”Iasked.
Lexisnortedderisively.“Whatabouther?”
“ShethinksDamonshouldbekeptalive.Maybeshecanconvinceherfatherofthat,”Isaiddesperately.
“Don’teventhinkaboutit.She’sahuman,andshewillfollowherfather’sordersuntiltheendofherdays,”Lexisaid,droppinghervoicetolowerthanawhisperasanothercouplewalkedtowardus.
Astheypassed,themantippedhistophat,andLexicurtseyedback.Toanyoneelse,wewereayoungcouple,outtoromanceeachotherinthemoonlight.
“Damon’slifeisatstake,”Isaidinfrustration.Lexihadofferedtohelp,buteverythingshe’ddonesofarhadseemeddesignedonlytodissuademe.“Wehavetodosomething!”
“Iknowyouwillfindawaytosavehim,”shesaidfirmly.
WeturnedanothercornerandthespireofthechurchacrossfromLexi’shousecameintoview.“ButStefan,youmustrememberthatcontrollingyourselfaroundhumansismuchmorethansimplynotattackingthem.”Whenwereachedthebackporch,shestoppedandputherhandsonmyshoulders,forcingmetolookintoherclearambereyes.“Doyouknowtherealreasonwhywedon’tdrinkhumanblood?”
“Why?”Iasked.
“Becauseifwedon’tdrinkhumanblood,wedon’tneedhumans,”shesaidinatightvoice.Shepushedopenthedoor.Buxton,Hugo,andPercyweresittingaroundthecoffeetable,playingpoker.Theylookedupwhenweentered,andBuxtonnarrowedhiseyesatme.
“Boys,we’regoingdancingtonight.Weneedsomelightness,”Lexiannounced,pouringherselfaglassofbloodfromthedecanteronthesidetable.Sheglancedaroundtheroom.Thethreenodded.“Willyoucome,Stefan?”
Ishookmyhead.Iwasnotinthemoodforlightness.“No,”Isaid,thenheadedupstairstoplanDamon’srescuealone.
Chapter16
Isearchedinvainforpeacefulsleepbutneverfoundit.InsteadwhenIclosedmyeyesIsawDamon,hislegscurledaroundahardwoodenchair,hisarmsboundinropes.Hisskinbled,thedropletsadarkmaroonwherethevervain-soakedropesbitintohisflesh.
NextcametheimagesofCallie,herflame-coloredhairflowingbehindher,hereyeslitwithafrighteningpassion.SheandherfatherdancedaroundDamon,mybrother’sformproneontheground.Theythrewtheirhandsintheairtauntingly,grippingwoodenstakes,theendssosharpenedtheyreachedafinepoint.Theirmovementsbecamemorefrenziedastheyapproached,readyingtheirweapons.
ButworstofallwerethevisionsofKatherine.Iwouldseeher,lookingbeautifulasalways,herporcelainfacehoveringabovemineandherglossymaneticklingmyshoulders.Withacoy,knowingsmileshewouldleantowardme,andthenshewouldopenhermouth.Herfangsglintedinthelamplightastheyplungedintomyneck.
Myeyesflewopen.Sleepwouldnotaffordmeanyrest.MymindwenttomemoriesofKatherine.Thehumanpartofme—orwhatwasleftofit—hatedherwitheveryfiberofmybeing.MyhandcurledintoafistinvoluntarilywhenIthoughtofher,andhowshe’ddestroyedmyfamily.
Butthevampirepartofmemissedwhatshe’drepresented—stabilityandlove.Andjustasthatpartofmysoulwouldlastforeternity,sotoowouldthepartofmethatlongedforher.Iwantedhernow,besideme,curledupinmysheets.IwantedhertoleanagainstthewindowsillandlistenasItoldheraboutDamon,andtellme,inhercalm,evencold,matter-of-factwaywhattodo.BeingwithKatherinehadmademefearless,confident.Shehadmadeeverythingseempossible.
EventhoughItrustedLexi,Iknewshedidn’ttrustmetotakecareofthings…shedidn’tbelievethatanyplanIhadwouldwork.ThatwaswhyLexiremindedmesooftenofalltheobstaclesinmypath.IlongedfortheKatherineIhadfallenfor,theonewhoseemedbothfearlessandtotrulycareforme.IwantedherbymysiderightnowsoIwouldfeellessalone.ButIknewthatcouldn’tbe.ThatKatherinehadneverreallyexisted.Besides,shewasgone,andshewasnevercomingback.
Thedooropened,andLexistoodthere,agobletofanimalbloodinherhands.Shebroughtittomylips.Itookafewdeepsips,despitethedisgustitcalledupinme.
WhenIhaddrainedthecup,sheputitonthenightstand,thenbrushedmyhairoffmyforehead.“Areyoustillgoingtothefighttonight?”
“Areyougoingtotrytostopme?”
“No.”Lexibitherlip.“Notsolongasyousimplyleaveitatsavingyourbrother.Revengeisforhumans—andkillingGallagherwon’tteachhumansanylesson.”
Inodded,allthewhileknowingI’dusebruteforceifitwasnecessarytofreeDamon.
“Good.”Lexiturnedtoleave.Halfwaytowardthedoor,sheturnedbackandlockedeyeswithme,andherexpressionsoftened.“You’vecheateddeathonce.Ihopeyou’llcheatitasecondtime.”
Afterdressing,IwalkedtoLakeRoadwithhumanspeed.BythetimeIgotthere,itwaspastdusk.Lanternsandtorchesweresetuparoundtheperimeterofthefairgrounds,makingtheentirearealookasifitwasbathedindaylight.Thecircustentwasstripedredandwhite,andsurroundedbymidwaygamesandindividualbooths.“FortunesTold!”aposteraboveoneread.“SeetheWorld’sUgliestWoman—IfYouDare!”proclaimedanother.Icouldhearthechatteringofsometypeofanimalcomingfromafarcorner,butIcouldn’tgetasenseofwhereDamonwas.
Justthen,Calliewalkedoutofthemaintent,trailedbyherfatherandhertwohenchmen.Shewaswearingthesamepairofoverallsshe’dhadonthenightbeforeoveraman’slinenshirt,andherhairfellaroundhershoulders.Therewasasmudgeofdirtbeneathhereye.Ihadasuddenurgetowipeitawaybutstuckmyhandsinmypocketinstead.
“Stefan!”shecalled,herfacebreakingintoasmile.“You’rehere.Father,thisisthemanItoldyouabout.”
Mr.Gallagherlookedevenmoreimposingupclose.Hetoweredaboveme,hisdarkbrowsknittedtogether.Ikeptmyexpressionopen,innocent.LexisaidGallagherwasaskilledvampirehunter—wouldhebeabletodetectthetruthjustbystaringatme?
“Mydaughtersaysyou’recuriousaboutvampires,”hesaid.“Proveyou’reseriousandworktheticketcounter.Thenwecantalk.”
“Yes,sir.”Inodded,feelinglikeStefantheobedientchild.
“And,boy?”Gallagherasked,turningbacktowardme.
“Yes?”
“Youwanttoplaceabetonthefight?Winner’lltakealot.Couldmakeyouafortune.”Heraisedaneyebrow.
Myeyesnarrowed,andbloodscreamedthroughmyveins,fastandhot.Howdarethismanaskmetobetonmybrother’slife?Howdareheactsoself-importantwhenIcouldriphisthroatoutinaninstant?
“Stefan?”Callieaskedwarily.
Forcingmyselftocalmdown,Ireachedintothepocketsofmywell-wornbritchesandpulledtheminsideout.“I’mafraidIhavenomoney,sir.That’swhyI’msogratefultohavethisjob.”
Gallaghertookastepclosertome.“Yousayyou’refromMississippi,boy?”Hegazedatmecuriously.“Youraccentsoundsmorenorthern—maybeVirginian.”
“MyparentswerefromVirginia.Isupposetheiraccentrubbedoffonme,”IsaidinascasualavoiceasIcouldmuster.
Afteralongmoment,henodded.“Well,whenyourustleupsomecurrency,comefindme.Inthemeantime,Calliewillshowyoutheropes.Andson?”hecalled,turningonhisheel.
“Yes,sir?”Iasked.
“I’llbewatchingyou.”
Chapter17
Don’tbebotheredbyhim,”Calliesaid,onceherfatherwasasafedistanceaway.
“I’mnot,”Ilied.
Hergreeneyesflickedoverme,asifshedidn’tbelievemywords.Butshedidn’tpresstheissue.
“I’llgiveyouaquicktour,”shesaid,takingmeintooneofthesmallertents.Inacorner,awomanwashunchedoveramirror.Sheturned,andItookastepback.Herfacewascoveredwithtattoos,which,uponcloserinspection,werecourtesyofrapidlydryingIndiaink.
“Thetattooedwoman,”Calliesaid.“Andtheconjoinedtwins.”
Thewomanandthetwinsnexttoherwavedatus.Thetwins’bodieswereconnectedatthehip.Theywerebeautiful,withblondhairandsadexpressions.Amanwithflippersinsteadofarmswhisperedsomethinginoneoftheirears.Theyglancedateachother,thenbrokeintolaughter.
“Thisistheshow.”Callieopenedherhandswide,andforthefirsttimeInoticedawoodenstakedanglingonasilverchainfromherwrist.Shealsohadasprigofvervaintuckedbehindherear.
“MissCallie!”Ahulking,seven-foot-tallmountainofamanduckedunderthedoorofthetentandwalkedtowardus.Hepickedherupbyhertinywaistandswungheraround.
“Arnold!”shesaidgleefully.“Theworld’sstrongestman.Marriedtothebeardedlady,”sheexplainedtomebeforelookingbackupatArnold.“HowisCarolinefeeling?”
Thegiantshrugged.“She’sdoingwell.Can’twaittocomebackandintroduceeveryonetothebabies.”
“Theyjusthadtwins!”Calliesaidfondly.
InoddedmygreetingtothemanandgazedoverCallie’sshoulder.WhereweretheykeepingDamon?
“Areyouokay?”Callieasked.Shebrushedmyarm,andIflinchedwhenthevervaintouchedmyskin.
“Ijustneedair,”Isaid,burstingoutofthetent.
Callieranafterme.“I’msorry,Stefan,”shesaid,hervoicecold.“Somepeopledon’tlikeithere.They’renotcomfortable.ButsomehowIthoughtyou’dbedifferent.”
“No,it’snotthat.”Evensurroundedbythesehumancuriosities,Iwasthebiggestfreakofthemall:thevampirewhopretendedtobehuman.“I’vejustgotalotonmymind.Ipromiseyou,Ilikeithere.”
“Okay,”shesaid,notsoundingquiteconvinced.Butshecontinuedtoleadmefartherintothegrounds.Wepassedatwo-headedcat,asad-lookingmonkeyplaying“OldTomDooley”onaharmonica,andtheskeletonofwhatasigndeclaredtobeaseamonster.Somefreaksmillingaroundwereobviouslyactors,wearingfabrictubesfilledwithstrawtosimulateextralimbs,whileothershadbeenbornthatway.
“Comewithme,”Calliesaidasshetuggedonmyarm.ButIstayed.Ablackironwagonrolleduptothetent,similartotheoneFatherhadusedtoroundupvampiresduringtheMysticFallssiege.Itstopped,andthedriverjumpedfromthecart.Immediately,fiveburlymenrushedupwithstakes.Oncetheywereinplace,thedriverunlockedthebackofthewagon.Thescentofvervainwaftedintheair,causingmyjointstoache.
Damon.
“Andthere’syourvampire,”Calliesaid,hermouthsetinafirmlineasallfivemendraggedDamonfromthebackofthewagon.Oneburlyman,hissweat-stainedshirtrolledatthesleeves,keptastakepositionedfirmlyoverhisheart
“Gentlenow,Jasper!Weneedhimalivebeforethefight!”Calliecalled,hervoicesharp.Damonturned,baringhisteethinourdirection.Isawsurpriseinhiseyes,whichquicklyturnedintocontempt.
“Mylittlebrother,thegoodSamaritan,”hewhisperedunderhisbreath,barelymovinghisjaw.Luckily,hesaiditlowenoughthatonlyIheard.
Hisvoicesentatremorthroughmybody.Calliecockedherhead,andIrealizedhowriskyitwasforDamonandmetobeinsuchcloseproximity.Wouldspitecausehimtocallmeoutasafellowdemon?“AreyousureIcan’thelpwiththevampire?”Iaskedher.
“Youheardmyfather.We’llstartyouattheticketcounter.Andifanyonetriestosneakin,letBuckhandlethem,”shesaid,gesturingtothehulkingmanhoveringseveralpacesbehindherlikeadistendedshadow.
Acommotionsoundedinfrontofthetent.Callieletoutawhistleasweapproached.Thefrontflapwasclosedtight,andamassofpeoplehadsurroundedawoodenticketbooth.Some,dressedintatteredbritchesandwithdirt-stainedhands,wereclearlyfromtheshantytownsurroundingthelake.Butothersweredressedintheirfinest:themenintophatsandsilksmokingjackets,thewomeninfeather-adornedhatsandsilkdresses,furstolesdrapedaroundtheirbosoms.
Callieturnedtome,hereyesshining.“It’sneverbeensobusy.Dad’sgoingtobesohappy!”shesaid,clappingherhandstogether.“Now,gohelpBuck,”shecommandedbeforerunningbackaroundthetent.
Istoodinthewoodenboothattheentrance,listeningforDamon.Butinsteadmyearsfilledwithsnatchesofhumanconversation.
“I’vegotahundreddollarsonthelion.”
“No,thevampire.Monstersalwayswinoverbeasts.”
“I’vetoldthisprettyladyherethatsheowesmeakissifthebeastwins.”Onemanhiccupped,obviouslydrunk.
Igroundmyteeth,wantingtolashout,tobiteeachandeveryoneofthem,toteachthemalesson.ButIrememberedLexi’swordsaboutrevenge.KillingthesemenwouldnothelpDamon.
Ahandclappedmyshoulder.Iwhirledaround,readytobaremyteeth.
ItwasGallagher,hisfaceflushedwithexcitement.“Wehavetohustle,son!Thefight’sabouttostart,andthemorewepack’emin,thebiggerthepayday.”Hehoppedonanoverturnedapplecratestandingjustoutsidetheentrance.
“Steprightup,folks!WelcometomyOdditorium!Seetheworld’sugliestwoman,marvelattheworld’sstrongestman!Butthat’sjustthewarm-upact.Becausetonight,wehaveabattleroyale,thelikesofwhichhaveneverbeenseen.MonsterversusBeast.Whowillwin?Andwhowantstobet?Becausethisisonedeaththatwillleadtorichesforsome.”
Thecrowdpressedinmoretightlyaroundme,swarminglikeamassofhungryinsects.
Gallaghergrinnedatme.“Get’emin,andget’embidding.”
AndsoIheldoutmyhand,collectingtheircoinsandorangestubsofpaper,allthewhileresistingtheurgetoreachoutandsnaptheirnecks,aseasilyasIwouldatwigbranch,anddrinktheliquidwithin.
Chapter18
AssoonasI’dtakeneverylastticketandacceptedeverylastdollar,IslippedintothetentbehindanoverweightmanclutchingasweatywadofConfederatenotesineachfist.Theairwasthickwiththestenchofsweat,sawdust,and,ofcourse,blood.
Peopleweremillingaroundus,payingextramoneytogawkattheStrongmanandtheTattooedLady,allofwhomwerehiddenbehindthickblackcurtainsatvariousintervalsalongtheperimeterofthetent.ButthemajorityofthecrowdwasclamoringaroundJasper.Largewagerswerebeingplaced,withlotsofshoutingandhandsignalsandstacksofgreasynotesbeingpassedbackandforth.Jaspergleefullychompedonhissoggycigarandlaughed.
Sailorsyankedforeignbillsfromtheirbillfolds.Afewteenagerspooledtheircoins.Well-dressedmenintieswavedgoldcoins.
“Fight,fight,fight!”onered-facedmanbeganyelling.Instantly,thepeoplestandingbyhimbegantochantaswell.Threewell-dressedwomen,theirhairincurlsatoptheirheads,glancedateachother,giggled,andechoedthecheer,theiraltovoicescontrastingwiththemen’sbaritoneones.
Gallagherstrodeintothetent,hiscanetappingapaththroughthesawdust.Peopleturnedandcranedtheirneckstocatchaglimpseofhim;inthecircustent,hewasjustasmuchanattractionasthefreaks.Afterall,thiswasthemanwho’dcaughtavampire.
Bestrong,brother,Iwhisperedundermybreath,rememberingallthetimesDamonhadwonfightsbackinMysticFalls.Damonhadneverprovokedthosebattlesbuthadalwaysbeenagoodfighter,alwayslandingapunchfastwhenafightbrokeout.That’swhyhe’dbeensorespectedinthearmy.Butnow,inabattleagainstamountainlion,especiallyafternotfeedingfordays…Ishuddered.
“Brother?”Iwhisperedtentatively,atadecibelIknewonlyhisearscoulddetect.Iwashopingforsomesortofreply,eventhoughIwasn’tsurewhetherhecouldhaveactuallyheardme.Ifhedid,hesaidnothinginresponse.
“Andnow,let’sintroduceourfighters!”Gallagher’svoicebrokethroughmyreverie.Twoanimalhandlers,theirhandsinleatherglovesandwearingbootsthatcameuppasttheirknees,walkedintothering,leadingamangymountainlion.Themountainlionhadagrayish-yellowishcoatandyellowteeth,and,despiteitsleanbody,lookedbrutal.Andhungry.Asifoncue,itutteredaroar.
“Inoneendofyourring,youhavethemountainlion.Butthisisnoordinarycat.ThisbeastistheAlbertaAvenger!HecamedownfromCanadatofindthehunterthatkilledhismate.Heevisceratedthehunter,hiswife,andallofhischildrenexcepttheyoungest,whoselegsthelionatebeforeleavingtherestofhimalivetotellthestory.Sincethen,youhavefollowedthemountainlioninthenewspapersasithasfeasteditswayoninnocentsintheUnionandConfederacywithoutprejudice.Tonight,itishereonlyafterwecapturedittryingtostowawayonaboatboundfortheAndesMountainsinSouthAmerica.Themountainlion,ladiesandgentlemen!”Gallagheryelled,hisshowmanshiponfulldisplay.
Thecrowddutifullyapplaudedenthusiastically,andsomeevencheered.
“Itsopponentisalegendaryvampirethathasbeenterrifyingchildrenandtheirparentsforcenturies.ViktortheCruelwasbornin1589andwasheirtotheHapsburgEmpireuntilhefirsttastedblood—hissister’s—andbeganathree-hundred-yearfeedingfrenzythathasleftatrailofdrainedbodiesaroundtheworld.Atanestimatedtwovictimsperday,thisbringsViktor’skillstooneandahalfmillionpeople,morethandoublethesizeofItaly.Thisunstoppablelustforbloodcontinuestonight.”
Theapplausewasmorenervousnow,butthecheerswerelouder.
Gallagherspreadhishandsapartwithaflourish,andDamoncameintothering,surroundedbyfourhandlers.Hishandsandfeetwereinchains,andhisfacewaspartiallyhiddenbyamuzzle.Hisskinwasbleedingfromthevervain,hiseyeswerebloodshot,andtheexpressiononhisfacewasoneI’dneverseen.
Icouldunderstandthehatredhefelt—IwasfightingeveryinstinctIhadnottokillthepeopleholdinghimcaptive.Buthisimprisonmenthadchangedhim.Damonhadcalledmeacold-bloodedkiller.ThelookinDamon’seyeswasnotoneofsport,orsurvival.Itwaspurebloodlust.
Ahushfilledthetent.Themountainlionstrainedathischains,butDamonsimplystoodinhiscornerofthering,asifunawareofwhattheimminentfutureheldforhim.
“And…go!”Gallagheryelled.Immediately,thehandlersunlockedDamon’schainsandopenedtheirondoorofthemountainlion’scage,thenranoffthestage.ThelionjumpedtowardDamon,makingcontactwithhischest.Damonletoutananguishedmoanandfellbackward.Then,justasquickly,herosetohisfeetandroared,hisfacesuddenlyflushed,hisfangsonfulldisplay.Iknewthiswasallinstinctual:Damon’sPowerrisingtothesurfaceassoonashe’dfelttheattack.Ihadlearnedthisaboutourkindinthepastfewweeks:Ourpowerledustodothingsbeforeweevenknewweweredoingthem.DespiteDamon’sexternalweakness,hisPowerwasstillintact.
Thelionleapedagain,andDamonwentlow,duckingundertheclawsandcomingupatjusttherightmomenttodighishandsintothelion’sneck.ButtheliontossedDamonfree;herolledtoastoponlywhenheslammedintothegatesurroundingthering.
Damonletoutanothermoanandlayontheground.Thelionbegantostalkovertoclaimhiskill.
Thecrowdwentwild,friendshittingoneanotherinthearmandclawingattheairasthoughtheythemselveswereinthefight.
OneofthehandlerspositionedalongthesidelinespokedatDamon,clearlytogethimmoving.Damonswungwithoutlooking,knockingthemanintothestands.Asthehandlerstruggledtogetup,twonearbycustomerskickedhiminthegutandthendroppedhimoverthebackrailingtothedirtbelow,outofsight.
Damonpaidnoheedtothescuffleandmoveddeeperintothering,lettingthelionslowlycirclehim.
Afteralongsilence,Damonletoutaferalgrowlandrantowardthelion.Thelionroaredinresponseandcharged,butthistimeDamonsteppedaside,andwhenthelionmissedhim,Damonhookedanarmupunderthelion’sneck.Withstrengthnooneseemedtoexpect,Damonthrewthelionontoitsback.HewasabouttodiveontopandgoinforthekillwhenthelionkickedupanddroveaclawrightthroughDamon’sarm.
Thelionswatteditspawaround,swingingDamonthroughtheairlikeaflyonafishingline.Atlast,thefleshgavewayandDamon,witharedarcofbloodtrailingbehindhim,shotupthroughtheair,thenlandedwithathudevenIcouldn’thearoverthehellishroarofthecelebratingcrowd.
Damonstruggledtohisfeet,holdingthewoundedarminplacewiththeother.Hewasn’thealingasquicklyasvampiresusuallydo—IwonderedifthevervainhaddampenedthatPower.
Heneededblood,thatmuchwasclear.Hissurvivalinstinctsandtheattendantadrenalinwerewaning.Iwasabouttorushforwardintothering,withthestoutmaninfrontofmeasanofferingtomybrother,whenawarmhandfellonmyarm.
Callie.
“It’shorrible,”shesaid.Herknuckleshadgonewhitearoundclumpsofherdress.Herlipshunglooseandtrembled.“Ican’twatchthisbarbarismmuchlonger.”
“Thentellyourfathertostopit,”Ihissed.
Thestompingonthewoodenstandswaspickingupinspeedandalongwiththeracingheartbeatsofthepeople.Thesplotchesofbloodinthesawdustweren’tenoughtosatisfythem—theyneededtoseeadeath.
NowDamonwaspaddingaroundthemountainlion,astheanimalhunched,coiled,inthecenterofthering,movingaslittleaspossiblewhilefollowingDamonwithitsreflectiveeyes.Suddenly,Damontookoff,movingatablurredspeedaroundthelionsothattheanimalhadtorapidlyturnandturn,asthoughchasingitsowntail.
Aquietcameoverthecrowd,andonlytheheavypantingofDamonandthemountainlionechoedunderthecanvasofthetent.Damoncircledhisprey,movingfasterthanthelioncouldcomprehend.
ThecrowdgaspedasDamonslantedtowardthemountainlion,andbeforethebeastcouldtellwhichdirectionhewascomingfrom,Damondoveonthemusclebehindthelion’shead.Hebitinandheldon,lettingthelionkickandflipwildly
Callieclutchedmyarm.Myeyeswererivetedonthescene,andmybodywasprimedtoruntothecageshouldIneedtointervene.
Themountainlionwasslowing.Eachtimeitbucked,morebloodappearedinthesawdustinlittleredrivers.Itslefthindlegwaslookingweaknow;wobbling,itstartedtofloptowardtheground.Damonunlatchedhisfangsandrearedback,readytogofortheveininthecat’sneck.
Justthen,thecatflaileditshindquartersandthrewDamonfree.AsDamontriedtorecoverhisfeet,themountainlionmovedinandwrappeditsjawsaroundhisside.
Thecrowdgaspedagain,thenbegantoboo.
Fight,Iurgedwitheveryfiberofmybeing,clenchingmyfistsatmysides.
Damonhadgonelimpandwasbeingflungaroundlikeanoldslipperinadog’smouth.TheliontossedDamontotheground,thenpulleditsheadbackandopenedwide.Butjustastheanimaldoveforward,Damonrolledaway.Hedrovehisshoulderintotheconfusedbeast’sside,bowlingitoverandexposingtheshortwhitehairsonitsthroat.
Damontoreintotheveinwithhisfangs.Themountainliontwitcheditswaytostillnessasapuddleofbloodbecamebiggerandbiggeruntilitwasagreatlakeofbloodwithinthefightingring.Atitscenterwasmybrother,kneelingoveradeadmountainlion.
Hestoodandstumbledbackwardastep.Helookedupintothecrowdwithawidesmileonhisface,hisfangsoutandhiswholefaceandfrontdrippingwithblood.Thecrowdcheeredandbooedinequalmeasure,andDamonjustturnedinasmallcircle,occasionallylickinghislips.
Gallagherclappedhisfathandstogether.Theoneswho’dmademoneyjumpedandhuggedoneanother.Theoneswho’dlostthrewhatstothegroundorstaredblanklyahead.
Ileapedforward,tryingtopushmywaytomybrother,butthehandlershadalreadymovedin,stakesandvervain-lacednetsinhand.Damonwasclearlydrunkonsuchamassivefeedafternoteatingforsolonganddidn’tseemtonoticethem.BeforeIcouldevenshoutawarning,themenwrappedhiminnetsandbegandragginghimoutofthearena.
Evenatmyfastest,Icouldn’tgetpastthecrowdthathadfilledinbehindthemandnowblockedtheentireway.Alloftherevelers,hootingandslobbering,stoodbetweenmeandtheexit,andbythetimeIpushedandshovedmywayout,thewagonwascareeningoutofthefairgrounds.
Awhipcracked.Hoovesbeattheground.Andjustlikethat,Damonwasgone.
Chapter19
Iranpasttheshantiessetuparoundthecircusthroughthedeepwoods,followingthetracksofthewagonuntilIlostthevehicle’sscentcompletelyattheoutskirtsofthecityproper.Adrunkwasleaningagainstabrickbuilding,whistlingtunelessly.
Inablindrage,Iroughlyfelltomykneesandgrabbedhim,bitingintohisneckandsuckinghisbloodbeforeheevenhadtimetogasp.Ittastedbitter,butIkeptdrinking,gulpingitinuntilIcouldstandnomore.
Sittingbackonmyheels,Iwipedmymouthwiththebackofmyhand,andlookedaround.Confusionandhatredcoursedthroughmyveins.Whycouldn’tIsaveDamon?WhyhadIjustwatchedasGallaghergoadedtheaudienceintoplacingevenmorebets,asthemountainlionpouncedontomybrother?AndwhyhadDamonallowedhimselftobecapturedandputmeinthisimpossibleposition?
IwishedI’dneverinsistedonturninghimintoavampireinthefirstplace.Ifheweren’thereandIwerealoneinthecity,everythingwouldbesomucheasier.NowIwastryingtobeagoodbrother,andagoodvampire,andyetwasfailingateverything.
Iwalkedhome,clompingupthestepstothehouse.Islammedthedoor,causingthehingestorattleandoneofthepaintingsintheparlortofallonthefloorwithaclatter.
Instantly,IsawBuxtonglaringatmefromtheoppositesideoftheroom,hiseyesglitteringinthedarkness.“Istheresomesortofproblemyou’rehavingwiththedoor?”heaskedthroughclenchedteeth.
Itriedtobrushpasthim,butheblockedmypath.
“Excuseme,”Imuttered,pushinghim.
“Excuseyou,”Buxtonsaid,crossinghisarmsoverhischest.“Cominginasifyouowntheplace.Stinkinglikehumans.WhileI’mnotonetoquestionMissLexi,Idothinkit’stimeyoushowalittlerespectforherhome,brother.”
Thewordbrotherawakenedsomethingwithinme.“Watchwhatyousay,”Ihissed,baringmyteeth.
ButBuxtonjustchuckled.“I’llwatchwhatIsaywhenyouwatchhowyouact.”
“Boys?”Lexicalledfromupstairs,herliltingvoiceacontrasttothetensescene.Sheglideddownthestairs,hereyessofteningwithconcernwhentheyrestedonme.“IsDamon…?”
“He’salive,”Imuttered.“ButIcouldn’tgettohim.”
Lexiperchedontheedgeofaricketyrockingchair,hereyeslargeandsympathetic.“Buxton,canyoupleasegetussomegoat’sblood?”
Buxton’seyesnarrowed,butheshuffledoutoftheparlorandintothekitchen.Inthelivingroom,IcouldhearHugoplayingalivelyFrenchmarchonthepiano.
“Thanks,”Isaid,sinkingintoanoverstuffedloveseat.Ididn’twantgoat’sblood.Iwantedtogorgemyselfongallonsandgallonsofhumanblood,drinkinguntilIgotsickandpassedoutintotaloblivion.
“Remember,he’sstrong,”Lexisaid.
“I’mnotworriedaboutBuxton,”Isaid.
“Imeantyourbrother.Ifhe’sanythinglikeyou,he’sstrong.”
Ilookedupather.Shecameoverandtookmychininherhand.
“That’swhatyouhavetobelieve.It’swhatIbelieve.Thetroublewithyouisthatyouwanteverythingdonerightaway.You’reimpatient.”
Isighed.ThelastthingIneededwasanotherlectureabouthowIhadnosenseofthewaytherealvampireworldworked.
Besides,Iwasn’timpatient.Iwasdesperate.
“Youjustneedtothinkofanotherplan.Onewecanhelpwith.”LexiglancedoverasBuxtonentered,carryingasilvertrayladenwithtwomugs.
Buxtonpausedmidstep.“Faut-ill’aider?”heaskedinFrench.
“Nousl’aiderons,”Lexireplied.
NeitherLexinorBuxtonknewthatI’dlearnedFrenchatmymother’sknee;itwasoddtolistentothemspeakaboutwhethertohelpmefreeDamon.Istaredatmyhands,whichwerestillcoveredwithcrustedbloodfrommyhuntearlierintheevening.
Buxtonbangedthetrayagainstthepolishedcherrywoodtable.“Youwillnotputusindanger,”hegrowled,hisfangsinchesawayfrommyneck.Heshovedmewithallhismightagainstthewall,andthebackofmyheadcrackedagainstthefireplace’smarblemantle.
MyPowertookover,andIpushedhisshouldershard.ButBuxtonwasolderandstrongerthanIwas,andhekeptmepinnedtothewall,hishandsfirmlyagainstmychest.Icouldfeelbloodbeginningtoseepfrommyskull,whereI’dhitmyhead.
“Youselfish,ungratefulmonster,”Buxtonwhispered,hatreddrippingfromhisvoice.“I’veseenvampireslikeyoubefore.Youthinktheworldisyoursforthetaking.Youdon’tcareaboutothers.Youdon’tcarewhoyoukill.Yougiveusabadname.”
Itwistedandwrithed,tryingtoescapehisgrip,whensuddenlyIfeltthepressurereleasefrommychest,followedbyanenormouscrashasBuxtonfelltothefloor.
“Buxton,”Lexilectured,staringatthepronebodylyingatherfeet.“Howmanymorecenturieswillitbebeforeyoulearnhowtotreataguest?And,Stefan,won’tyouagreewithmethathumanbloodsimplydoesn’tagreewithyou?Thatbehaviorwasn’tnecessary.”Lexishookherheadlikeanannoyedschoolmarm.“Now,I’lldrinkmybloodinpeace.Benice,boys,”shesaidassheglidedoutoftheroom,themugofbloodinherhands.
Howcouldshewalkawaysocasually,knowingthatmybrotherwasoutthereimprisonedandtortured?IhadcometodependonLexiformanythings,andsupportinfindingandsavingDamonwasmyonlyprioritynow.
Asifreadingmymind,shepausedatthearchwaytoherquarters,glancingfromoneofustotheother.“IfandwhenIsaywehelpDamon,wewill.Isthatcleartobothofyou?”
“Yes,MissLexi,”Buxtonmurmuredasheslowlyeasedontohiskneesthenstoodup.
Inodded,barelycontainingmyscowl.If?
Buxtonlimpedoutoftheroom,butnotbeforehethrewonelastglareinmydirection.
Suddenlythehousefelttoosmall,asthoughthewalls,floors,andceilingswerepressinginatmefromallsides.Lettingoutonelastgrowl,Iflewthroughtheparlor,outthedoor,andbackdowntoLakeRoad.
Chapter20
Thenextmorning,Iwokeassomeoneshookmyshoulder.
“Goaway,”Imurmured.Buttheshakingwasinsistent.
Myeyessnappedopen,andIrealizedIwaslyingcurledupnexttooneofthetentsatGallagher’sfreakshow.
“Didyousleephere?”Callieasked,crossingherarmsoverherchest.Isatup,rubbingthesleepfrommyeyes,thinkingaboutthepreviousevening.I’dreturnedtothecircusgrounds,unsureofwhereelsetogoandhadfallenasleepthere.
“Goodmorning,MissCallie,”Isaid,ignoringherquestion.Istoodupandbrusheddirtoffthebackofmypants.“HowcanIhelpyou?”
Sheshrugged.Shewascladinapinkcottondressthatshowedhertinywaistandfreckledarms.Thecolorstoodincontrasttoherflowingredhair,andsheremindedmeofawildrose.“We’regoingtotakeafewdaysofffromtheshow.Fathermadesomuchmoney,hewantsthenexteventtobeevenbigger.”Calliesmiled.“Thefirstruleofshowbusiness:Keep’emwantingmore.”
“How’sDa—thevampire?”Iasked,shieldingmyeyesfromthesun.Whilemyringprotectedmefromtheagonyoftherays,thesunmademefeelexposedandclumsy.Thedarkcloakedmorethanmyfangs,andinthelightofday,IconstantlyhadtochecktomakesureIwasn’tmovingatlightningspeed,respondingtoquestionsIshouldn’tbeabletohear,orfollowingmyurgetofeed.
Callietuckedaloosestrandofrust-coloredhairbehindherear.“Thevampireisokay,Isuppose.Fatherhasitshandlerstendingtoitaroundtheclock.Theydon’twantittodie.Notyet,anyway.”
Notyetwasasmallcomfort,butitwassomething.ItmeantIstillhadtime.
Shefrownedslightly.“Ofcourse,Ihardlythinktheyshouldletitdieatall.Whatwe’redoingtoit,andtotheanimalsitfights,istotallybarbaric,”shesaidsoftly,almostspeakingtoherself.
Ilookedupswiftlyatthewords.WasshemoresympathetictoDamon’splightthanI’dimagined?“CanIseehim?”Iasked,surprisedatmyboldness.
Callieswattedmyarm.“No!Notunlessyoupayup,likeeveryoneelse.Besides,he’snothere.”
“Oh.”
“Oh,”shesaid,mockingme.Thenhereyessoftened.“Istillcan’tbelieveyouslepthere.Don’tyouhaveahome?”
Imethergazestraighton.“Ihad…adisagreementwithmyfamily.”Itwasn’texactlyalie.
Thefreakshowwasstartingtowakeup.Thestrongmanwalked,bleary-eyed,outofatent.Abruptly,hedroppeddowntothegroundandbegandoingpush-ups.Thefortune-tellerheadedtothesecludedpartofthelake,towelinhand,nodoubtforabath.Andtwooftheever-presentburlysecuritymenwerewatchingCallieandmecuriously.
Callieclearlynoticedaswell.“Wouldyouliketogoforawalk?”sheasked,leadingthewaydownadirt-packedroadtotheedgeofthelake,outofsightoftheshow.Shepickedupastoneandthrewitintothewater,whereitlandedwithathunk.
“Inevercouldskipstones,”shesaid,insuchasadvoicethatIcouldn’thelpbutburstoutlaughing.
“What’ssofunny?”sheasked,hittingmyarmagain.Theswatwasplayful,butthebraceletssheworeweretwistedthroughwithvervain,andthecontactsentawaveofpainupmyarm.Sheputherhandonmyshoulder,concerncreasingherforehead.“Areyouokay?”
Iwinced.“Yes,”Ilied.
“Okay…”shesaid,throwingmeaskepticallook.Sheleaneddowntopickupanotherstoneandraisedherlightbrowneyebrowatmebeforeshethrewitinthewater.Itfellwithaharmlessplop.
“Tragic!”Ipickedupmyownstoneandaimeditacrossthewater.Itskippedfivetimesbeforefallingbelowthesurface.
Callielaughedandclappedherhands.“Youmustteachme!”
“Youhavetoflickyourwrist.Andpickaflatstone.”Ispottedasmoothbrownrockwithawhitebandringingthetop.“Here.”Iputtherockinherhands.“Now,flick,”Isaid,gingerlytouchingherskin,makingsuremyfingersdidn’tbrushagainstthevervain.
Sheclosedhereyesandtossedthestone,whichskippedonce,beforefallingintothewater.Shethrewherarmsupindelight.“Thankyou,Stefan,”shesaid,hereyestwinkling.
“Nomore‘stranger’?”Iteased.
“You’vetaughtmesomething.Thatmeanswe’refriends.”
“Doesit,now?”Isaid,takinganotherstoneandtossingitinthewater.DamonandIhadskippedstonesinthepondnearourhomeinMysticFalls.We’dmakewishesandpretendthattheywouldcometrueifwecouldguessthenumberofskipsastonewouldmake.
Iclosedmyeyesbriefly.Ifitskipsfivetimes,I’llhaveachancetofreeDamon,Ithought.Butthisstonewasheavierandsankaftertwoskips.Ishookmyhead,annoyedatmyselfforindulginginsuchachildishgame.
“Sowasthatyourbiggestconcernintheworld?Thatyoucouldn’tskipstones?”Iteased,tryingtoreclaimthelighttoneofourouting.
Shesmiled,buthereyeslookedsad.“No.Butdon’tyouthinkpretendproblemsaremuchmoremanageablethanrealones?”
“Yes,Ido,”Isaidquietly.
Thesunwassteadilyrising,lendingthelakeanorangeglow.Severalsmallskiffswerealreadyonthewater,castingtheirnets,andthewindwhippedaroundourears,areminderthateventhoughthesunfeltwarm,winterwaswellonitsway.
“I’venevertalkedtoanyoneaboutthis.That’srulenumbertwooftheGallagherfamilybusiness—don’ttrustanyone,”shesaid.
“Yourfatherseemstough,”Iventured,sensingherfrustration.“Perhapstootough?”
“Myfatherisfine,”Calliesnapped.Shescowledatme,handsonherhips.
“I’msorry,”Isaid,raisingmyhandsinsurrender.IrealizedI’dpushedtoofartooquickly.“Thatwasoutofline.”
Callieletherhandsfalltohersides.“No,I’msorry.I’mjustprotectiveofhim.He’sallIhave.”
“Whereisyourmother?”Iasked.
“DiedwhenIwassix,”Calliesaidsimply.
“Iunderstand,”Isaid,thinkingofmyownmother.“It’shard,isn’tit?”
Calliepluckedabladeofgrassfromthegroundandshreddeditbetweenherfingernails.“Itrytobestrong.ButafterMotherdied,Fatherthrewhimselfintowork.”
“Itseemsthatyoudothataswell.”
“NowthatFather’sgotthevampireactworkedout,Ifeellikethingswillchangeforthebetter.Hehasashortfusethatgetsshorterthelessmoneyhehas.”
Atthementionofthevampireact,Ikickedthestonesaroundtheedgeoftheshore.Aflurryofpebblesflewthroughtheairandlandedseveralmetersintothelakewithaviolentsplashingsound.
“Whatwasthat?”Callieasked,alarminhervoice.
Iforcedmyselftosmile,tolookcalm—human.Inmyanger,I’dforgottentohidemyPower.“Advancedstoneskipping.”
Callieraisedaneyebrow,asifshewantedtochallengeme.Butallshesaidwas:“Weshouldgetback.Dadwantsustocleanupthegrounds.”
Inodded.“Goodidea.”AloneherewithCallie,I’dcomesoclosetolosingcontrol.
“Stefan,”Calliesaid.“Iwasthinking…sincewedon’thavetheshowsforafewnights,doyouthinkyoucouldshowmethecity?”
“ButIdon’tknowthecity,”Ipointedout.“You’vebeenherelongerthanIhave.”
Callie’scheeksflushedpoppyred.“Fatherdoesn’tletmeleavethehouse,unlessit’sforwork.ButtherearesomanyshowsandadventuresinNewOrleans.”Shelookedupatmefrombeneathherlonglashes.“Please?I’llfeelsafeifI’mwithyou.”
Inearlylaughedattheironyofthatstatement,butthechucklecaughtinmythroat.Calliehaditwrong:Shewouldn’tnecessarilybesafewithme,butIcouldusehertoguaranteethesafetyofmybrother.Afterall,shekneweverythingaboutGallagher’sCircus—includingwhereherfatherwasholdingDamon.
“Okay,let’sdoit,”Isaid.
“Oh,we’llhavesuchfun!”Callieclaspedmyhandsandwhirledmearound.“Meetmeattheparkattheendofmystreetatnineo’clock.”Sheroseontohertiptoesandkissedmycheek.
Shewassoclose,Icouldpracticallyfeelherheartbeatingagainstmychest.Ipulledawayabruptly,myheadpoundingandmyjawaching.Iturnedmybacktoherasmycaninesextendedwithaclick.Ihadtotakefivedeepbreathsbeforetheyretractedagain.
“Areyouokay?”sheasked,placingherhandonmyshoulder.
Iplasteredasmileonmyfaceandturnedbacktoher.“Justexcitedfortonight.”
“Good,”Calliesaid,hummingtoherselfaswewalkedbacktothecircusgrounds.
Iranmytongueovermyteeth.Itwastrue:Iwasexcitedfortonight.Butexcitementwasakintodesire,andasI’dbeenlearningeversinceImetKatherine,nothinggoodevercamefromdesire.
Chapter21
IarrivedathomeatduskandfoundLexiperchedonthecouch,herarmsfoldedoverherchest,andherfootrapidlytappingthefloor.Shelookedlikeadisgruntledmotherhen.HugoandPercywerelounging,cat-like,onchaisesinthefarcorner.Buxton,Inotedwithrelief,wasnowheretobeseen.Iwonderedhowlongthey’dbeenwaitingforme.
“Youdecidedtocomeback,Isee,”Lexisaid,ascowlcrossingherface.
“SoIdid,”Isaid,tryingtosuppressasmile.
“Andsomething’schanged,”sheadded.Shesniffedtheair.“Butyouhaven’tfed,that’sgood.”Sheknithereyebrowstogether.
“Hello,”IsaidtoHugoandPercy,ignoringLexi’sobservation.Theygazedatmeinsurprise.I’dnevermadeanyefforttospeaktoeitheroftheminthepast.
“Hi,”Percygrunted.
Hugojuststaredatme.
Lexicontinuedtoglareatme,herhandsonherhips.“Outwithit,Stefan.Wedon’tkeepsecretsinthishouse.”
“IhaveaplantofreeDamon,”Isaid,wincingatthegiddysoundofmyvoice.
“That’sterrific!”Lexiclapped.“Howareyougoingtodoit?”
“Well,uh,itbeginswithgoingonadate,”Iconfessed.
“Adate?”Lexi’sbrowsflewup.“Withwhom?”
Iclearedmythroatsheepishly.“WithGallagher’sdaughter,Callie.”
“Youhaveadatewithahuman?!”PercysaidjustasLexiblurtedout,“YouhaveadatewithCallieGallagher.”
Iputmyhandsupdefensively.“Shewantsmetotakeheroutonthetowntonight.Andwhilewe’rethere,I’mgoingtogetinformationoutofheronDamon.Ican’tinfluenceherbecauseofthevervain,butthereareotherwaystogetawomantotalk.”
PercyandHugolookedup,expressionsofdisapprovalcrossingtheirfaceslikethunderclouds.
“Iwouldn’tdothatifIwereyou,”Hugosaid.Iglancedathiminsurprise.Apartfromthenightthey’dfoundme,itwasthefirsttimeI’deverheardhimspeak.
“Iagree.You’lleitherwanttokillherorkissher,andneitherscenariowillendwellforyou,”Percysaid.Thesentencesoundedoutofplacecomingfromhisscrawny,baby-facedbody.
“They’reright,”Lexisaidurgently.“They’velearnedtheirlessonsthehardway.Who’stosaywhatyou’lldowhenyou’realonewiththatgirl,nottomentionwhatshe’lldotoyou.Yousawherhouse…theweaponsshehas.Ijustworrythat—”
“Iknow,Iknow.I’myoung,Ican’tcontrolmyimpulses,andI’mgoingtomakesomesortofmistake,”Iinterruptedinannoyance.
Lexistoodupandgazedatme.“Allofthosethingsaretrue.You’restrong,butIworrythatyoumightletyouremotionsgetthebestofyou.”
“Iwon’t,”Iprotested.“I’mjustgoingoutwithhertoseeifIcanlearnanythingmoreaboutDamon.IfI’mgoingtorescuehim—peacefully—she’smybestbet.”
Lexisetherjaw,butthenheavedasigh.“Justbecareful.”
“Ifyou’regoingout,youcan’twearthat,”Hugosaid,lumberingupfromthechaise.“Percy,gethimsomethingnicetowear.”
PercylookedatLexibeseechingly.Shecrossedherarms.“What?Youheardtheman.”
Percyslidoffthecouchandmarchedupthestairs.
“Ifyou’regoingoutwithalady,youneedtolooknice,”Hugoexplainedgruffly.“AndLexi,youneedtotakehimshopping.”
“Yes,we’llgoouttomorrownight,Stefan,”shereplied.
“Whyareyousuddenlybeingsohelpful?”IaskedHugosuspiciously.
Hugoshowedhispointyteethinasmallsmile.“IfyoufreeDamonwiththehuman’shelp,there’llbenoneedforustogetinvolved.Now,gogetdressed!”
IrolledmyeyesbutfollowedPercyupthestairs.Hehandedmeawhitelinenshirtandapairofblacktrousers.
ForamomentIwishedthatIhadbrand-newclothesandpomadetoslickmyhairbackwith.ButthenIremindedmyselfofwhatI’dtoldLexi:Rightnow,IjusthadtofocusongettingtoknowCallieGallagher,and,subsequently,learnwhatmadePatrickGallaghertick.
ButeventhoughIkepttellingmyselfthatDamonwasmyreasonforgoingonthisdate,Icouldn’thelpbutnoticethatmymindkeptdriftingbacktothemomentwhenCalliekissedmycheek.
Chapter22
Istraightenedthecuffsonmyneatlypressedwhiteshirtandbuttonedmyovercoat.TheshinybrassbuttonsglintedinthelamplightasIturnedthecornerontoLaurelStreet.
Iwipedmyface,tomakesurenobloodlingeredonmylips.I’dvisitedmybarmaidfromMiladies,satingmyhungerbeforemyeveningoutonthetownwithCallie.Thebarmaid’sbloodhadtastedsweet,likeliliesdippedinhoney.Thesecondthewarmthhadhitmytongue,mysenseshadbecomehonedandtheworldhadsharpenedaroundtheedges.
Nowthecicadasshriekedinmyearsandthesmellofrosesassaultedmynose,butmystomachwascalmandmyveinsweresated.Iwasreadyformydate.
Theparkattheendofthestreetwasfilledwithmagnoliasandancientelmtrees,andinthecenter,amarblefountainwastoppedwithasculptureofanakedwoman.Throughtheburbleofthefountain,Icouldhearthebeatingofahumanheart.
“Hello?”Icalled.
“Stefan!”Calliesteppedoutfrombehindastonecherubintotheweaklightofagaslamp.Herredhair,aflameintheflickeringlight,hunglooseandcurlyaroundhershoulders.Sheworeasimple,cream-coloreddress,withalacebodiceandaflouncyskirtthatdrapedoverhertinyhips.
Bloodracedthroughmybody.
“What?”Calliesaid,reddeningasshenoticedmystare.
“Youlook,uh,likeagirl,”Isaid.Shelookedbeautiful.
“Gee,thanks.”Callierolledhereyesandsoftlysluggedmyshoulder.“You’rejustusedtoseeingmeinworkclothes.”Shegazedatme.“Youlookquitehandsome.”
Iclearedmythroatandtuggedonmycollar.Suddenlymyclothesfeltuncomfortableandconstricting,andthenightairstuffy.Iwonderedbrieflyifthebarmaidhadsomethinginherbloodthathadn’tagreedwithme.“Thankyou,”Isaidformally.
“Stefan?”Callieliftedherarmexpectantly.
“Oh,ofcourse.”Itookherarminmine.Herfreckledhandgrazedmypalm.Iflinchedandreadjustedsothatherhandwasrestingonthesoftfabricofmyjacket.
“Whereto,MissGallagher?”
Shelookedupatme,asmileonherface.“BourbonStreet,ofcourse.”
Callieguidedmethroughcobblestonesidestreets,wheregardeniasdrippedfrombalconies.Onawhim,Igrabbedoneandtuckeditbehindherear.BackhomeinMysticFalls,itwascustomarytobringflowersorasmalltokenwhenvisitingwithalady.
“Wanttoknowasecret?”Calliewhispered.
“What?”Iasked,curious.Iwasalreadythebeareroftoomanysecrets.ButperhapsCallie’scouldleadmetoDamon…
Shegotupontiptoeandcuppedmyearwithherhand.Thesoundofherbloodpumpingbeneathherskinmagnifiedtenfold.Igrittedmyteeth,forcingmyfangsbackdown.“Yourshirthascomeuntucked,”shewhispered.
“Oh,”Isaid,asIself-consciouslysmootheddownmyshirt.“Thanks.”
Callieletoutagleefullaugh.“YouknowwhatIreallywanttosee?”sheasked,grabbingmyarm.
“What?”Iasked,tryingtodevoteallmyenergytonotlisteningtothesteadythrumofherblood.
“Aburlesqueshow.MadameXhasashoweveryone’sbeentalkingabout,”shesaid.
Wewalkedtogetherthroughthetown,pastbustlingcrowdsandwaveringstreetcarts,endingupinawell-keptneighborhoodinfrontofapristine,statelyhouse.AsimpleplacardnexttothedoorreadMADAMEXinblackscript.Softlamplightshonefromallthewindows,andcarriagespulledup,oneafteranother,tothefrontgate,releasingtheirwell-dressedpassengersintothedepthsoftheclub.
Imomentarilypanicked.Ididn’thaveanymoney.AndIwaswearingaschoolboy’sclothesthathadn’tbeeninstylesincetheturnofthecentury.
“Callie,Ithink…”Ibegan,tryingtocomeupwithanalternateideaforoureveningwhenthefrontdoorswungopentogreetus.
“Goodevening.Areyouguestsofthehouse?”Theman’seyesflickeddownmyoldclothes.Iwaswildlyunderdressedforthisvenue,andIknewit.Callie,however,lookedradiant.
“Yes,”Calliejumpedin,straighteninghershoulders.
“Andyournames?”
FromthewayCallie’slipsflattened,Icouldtellshehadn’trealizedtherewasaguestlist.Isteppedinfrontofher,suddenlyinspired.“We’rethePicards.Remyandhiswife,Calliope.”
“Onemoment,sir.”ThemanwaddledinhisslippersovertoapodiumholdingalistthatalmostcertainlydidnotincludeMr.RemyPicard’sname.Heturnedapage,thenturneditback.
“Whatareyoudoing,Stefan?”Calliewhispered.
“Ihaveitundercontrol,”Isaidquietly.“Justsmileandlookpretty.”
Themanreturned,lookinggenuinelydistressed.
“I’mterriblysorry,sir,butyournameisnotonourlistfortonight.”Heglancedaround,asifreadytobeckonasecurityguardifwemadetrouble.
Iwantyoutoletusinwithoutaskingusanymorequestions,Ithought,channelingallmyenergy.“We’dreallyliketocomein,”Isaidaloud,concentratingonlookingdeepintohiseyes,ignoringCallie’scuriousgazeboringintomyback.“Areyousureyoudidn’tseeournamesonthelist?”
Theman’seyesflickered.
Letusinwithoutlookingatthelist.
“Youknow,IbelieveImighthaveseenyournames.Infact,I’msureIdid.ThePicards!I’msorry.Itwasmyconfusion.Rightthisway,”hesaid,aslightlyvacantexpressiononhisface.Heledusthroughlargedoubledoorsandintoasumptuousparlor.Lowcrystalchandeliershungfromtheceiling,andtheairsmelledofjasmine,magnolia,andfreesia.
“EnjoyyourstayatMadameX’s.AndifIcanbeofanyassistancetoeitherofyou,don’thesitatetocomefetchme,”themansaid,turningonhisheel.
“Thankyou,”Isaid.
Calliesimplystoodthere,lookingslack-jawedatme.“Howdidyoudothat?”
Ishrugged.“Ijustmadehimdoubthimself.Hewouldn’twanttosaynotothePicards,whoevertheyare.Besides,whatifournameswereonthelist,andhesaidnotous,thenwecomplainedtotheowner?”Secretly,Iwasthrilled.MyPowerwasstrengthening.
“SoItakeitthatthisisn’tyourfirsttimesneakinginwhereyoudon’tbelong?”
Iglancedatherslyly.“Youofallpeopleshouldknowthattobetrue.”
Shelaughed,andIgaveheranimpromptutwirl.Peoplestaredatus.Eventhoughapianistwasplayingajauntytuneinthecorner,thiswasn’taroomwherepeopledanced.Instead,guestsdriftedfromoneconversationtothenextastheysuckedoncigarsandgulpeddownchampagne.
“Doyouknowanyonehere?”Iaskedaswebrushedpastcoupleaftercouple,allcladinfinery.
Callieshrugged,theshadowofafrowncrossingherface.Sheglancedaroundtheroom.“TheyallhateFather.Theysayhe’saUnionistwho’stakingadvantageofNewOrleanswithhisbusiness.Andperhapsheis,butatleasthisshowdoesn’tpretendtobesomethingit’snot,”shesaid,juttingherchin.
Ishiftedinmyseat.Wasn’tthatexactlywhatIwasdoing?PretendingtobesomeoneIwasn’t?Icouldn’tlookather,incaseshecouldseethedepthsofmyliesinmyeyes.
Aservercamebywithatrayladenwithchampagne.Igrabbedtwoglasses.
“Cheers,”Isaid,handingonetoCallie.
Aswesippedthebubblingliquid,conversationsswirledaroundus,growinglouderandmoreboisterouswitheverytrayofdrinksthewaitersbroughtouttoserve.Men’smovementsgrewmorelanguid,womenlaughedmorereadily.
“Isyourfatherreadyforthenextshow?”Iasked,forcingaconversationalnotetomyvoice.
“Isupposeso.”
“Whowillthevampirebefighting?”
“Idon’tknow,”Calliesaid.“Acrocodile,ormaybeatiger.ItdependsonwhatFathercangetonsuchshortnotice.Why?”
Ishruggednoncommittally.“Iwanttoplaceabet.”
“Fatherwantssomethingcheap.He’sworriedpeoplewon’tponyupasmuchmoneyforanotheranimalfight.Itseemsthemonster’smuchstrongerthanabeast.”
“Oh,”Isaid,tryingtoprocesstheinformation.
“Butlet’snottalkaboutwork.Tonightissupposedtobefun!Lordknowswedon’thaveenoughofitinourreallives.”Callie’svoicegrewmelancholy.“Speakingoffun,”shesaid,pointingtoasmallcrowdmovingthroughasetofdoubledoorsatthebackoftheclub,“Ithinktheburlesqueshowisbackthere.”
“Shallwe?”Iasked,offeringmyarm.
Thebackroom,muchsmallerthanthefirstone,hadnumerouswoodentablescrammedontothefloor.Astagewassetupatthefrontoftheroom,andthespacewasdimlylitbycandles.Insteadofjoiningthecrushtowardthefront,CallieandIsatbackonalow-slung,redvelvetbenchbeneathalargemirrorinthebackoftheroom.
Assoonaseveryonesettledintoseats,amasterofceremoniestooktothestage.Iwassurprisedtoseethathewasamanwearingadinnersuitandcape.I’dimaginedaburlesqueshowtobelouder,largerthanthis,withplentyofmusicandscantilycladwomen.
“Goodevening!Aswe’veallheard,wehaveavampireinourmidst,”hesaiddramatically.
Audiencememberstitterednervously.IglancedatCallieoutofthecornerofmyeye.Wasthissomesortoftrap?DidsheknowwhatIwas?ButCalliewasleaningforward,asifmesmerizedbytheman’swords.
Themasterofceremoniessmiled,drinkinginthesuspense.“Yes,avampire.Downatthattwo-bitcircusbythelake.”
Jeersfilledtheroom.Calliehadn’tbeenexaggeratingwhenshe’dsaidherfatherwasinfamousinthistown.Iturnedtolookather.Althoughhercheekswereasredasherhair,shegazedstraightahead,herelbowsonherknees.
“AndeyewitnessessayGallagherhadtochainhisupsoitwon’trunaway.But,hereatMadameX’s,ourvampirehascometovisitallonhisown.”
“Wecangoifyouwant,”Iwhispered.
ButCallieshookherheadandclaspedmyhand.Itfeltwarmagainstmycoolskin,butthistimeIdidn’tpushheraway.“No,Iwanttostay.”
Athinmanwalkedonstage,cladinablackcape.Hisfacewaspowdered,andthinlinesoffakebloodweredrawnfromthecornersofhislips.Hesmiledatthecrowd,revealingfakefangs.Ishiftedinmyseat.
“Iamavampire,andyouallaremyprey!Cometome,mypretties!”hecackled,inanexaggeratedvoicethatmademesquirm.The“vampire”stalkedaroundthestage,histeethbaredandhiseyesscanningtheaudience.Awomaninapearl-embroideredgownstoodupfromatableinthefrontandwalkedtowardthestageasifinatrance,emittingalowmoanwitheachstep.
“Thevampirehasspecialeyesthatcanseethroughclothing.Andthisvampire,ladiesandgentlemen,likeswhathesees!”Themasterofceremoniesleeredattheaudience.
Atthis,theaudienceapplaudedenthusiastically.
IglancedatCallieagain.Hadsheknownthiswasashowaboutvampires?
“But,now,thevampirehashishungerawakened.Andwhathe’lldotofeedthehunger,youwon’tbelieve,”themasterofceremoniessaidasthevampireonstagewavedhishandstowardthewoman,asifconductinganorchestra.Ashedidthat,atrumpetplayerbeganplayingaslow,mournfultune.Thewomanbegantomoveherhips,slowlyatfirst,andthenmoreandmorequicklyuntilshelookedasthoughshewouldtoppleover.
“MaybeFathershouldgiveourvampiredancelessons,”Calliewhispered,herbreathhotonmycheek.
Then,suddenly,thevampirestoppedwavinghisarms.Themusicstopped,andsodidthewoman.Thevampirelurchedtowardher,tookholdofthesleeveofherdress,andtoreitoff,exposinghermilky-whitearm.
“Doyoufeelwickedtonight?”thevampirecalledtotheaudience,wagglingthefabrictowardthecrowd.Thenhetoreofftheothersleeve.
Mystomachturned.
“Iaskyou,doyoufeelwickedtonight?”hecalledagain,tossingthefabricintotheaudience.
Thecrowdcheeredasthedancercontinuedhergyrations,rubbingherbackagainstthe“vampire.”Slowly,shepeeledawayherclothing,itembyitem,sendingasilkstockingoraslipintotheaudienceuntilmostofherbodywasondisplay.
Asthemusicpickedupspeed,shegotclosertobecomingentirelynude.Atlast,shesatinachaironthestageasthemasterofceremoniespulledoffthelastbitofhertop,forcinghertocoverherselfwithherhands.
“Asheisabeastfromhell,theonlywaytostopavampireiswithastaketotheheart.Buttheycanalsobekeptawaywithacrucifix…”
Atthis,thedancerpantomimedafutilesearchforpocketsthatmightcontainastakeorcrucifix.
Islumpedinmychair,thinkingofmyownattacks.OfAlice,ofLavinia,ofthenursewhosenameI’dneverknown.Therewasnothingbeautifulorromanticaboutthoseattacks.Theywerequick,bloody,deadly.I’dendedtheirliveswithoutasecondthought,withswiftviolenceandathirstformore.
“Areyouokay?”Callieasked.
Forthefirsttime,IrealizedhowtightlyI’dbeenclutchingherhand.Iloosenedmygrip,andinstantlyshesnuggledclosertomeinmyseat.Herbloodpumpedlikesweetmusicthroughherbody,andthewarmthofherbodysoothedmyanger.Irelaxedintoher,takinginthesoftnessofhervoiceasshelaughedattheplay.Calliewaswarmandsoftandsoveryalive.Iwantedthismomenttofreeze,tolastintoeternity,withnothingbutmeandCallieandherbeatingheart.TherewasnothingelseIneededinthatmoment,notblood,notpower,notD—
MybodytensedandIsatstraightup.WhatwasIdoing?HadIforgottenmybrother,whatIhaddonetohim,soquickly?
Istoodup.
“Downinfront!”avoicebarkedafewrowsbehindme.
“I-I’msorry.Ihavetogo,”Isaid,stumblingtowardthedoor.
“Stefan,wait!”shecalled.
ButIkeptgoinguntilIwasonthestreet,runningfromthelate-nightbustleallthewaytotheriverbank.AsIstareddownatmyreflectionintheswirlingwater,Percy’swordsechoedinmyhead:“You’lleitherwanttokillherorkissher,andneitherscenariowillendwellforyou.”
Hewasright.BecausewhileItrulydidn’tknowwhetherIwantedtokissorbiteCallie,IknewIwantedher
Chapter23
October9,1864
Iamnotsupposedtohaveaheart.Abulletwentthroughitnearlythreeweeksago,andnobloodofmyownwilleverpumpthroughitagain.TheonlybloodthatnowcoursesthroughmyveinsisthatofwhomeverIhappentoattack.AndyetsomethingaboutCalliecausesmydeadhearttoflutterandthestolenbloodtoquickeninmybody.
Isitreal?Orisitamerememoryofsomethingthatusedtobe?Damononcetoldmethatonthebattlefield,boyswho’dundergoneamputationsstillwokeuptoagonizingpainintheirlegsorcriedforthehandthatached,thoughthoselimbswerenolongerpartofthem.Butwhilethoseboyshadphantomlimbs,itseemsIhaveaphantomheart.
InmyshorttimeinNewOrleans,I’velearnedaboutmyPower.It’swhathasdrivenme,whatI’vethrivedon,whatmakesmeavampire.Butthat’snottheonlypowerIpossess.Theotherkindisn’texciting,orthrilling,ordangerous.It’smundaneandtedious—theexercisingofcontrolovermyPower.I’vehadtolearntosuppressmyurgestofitinandtoremainwithLexi.
YetwhenIwaswithCallieattheshow,itwasasthoughmytwopowerswereatcross-purposes,eachthreateningtodestroytheotherinaprivatebattleinmybrain.
Nowsheentersmythoughtsconstantly.Theconstellationoffrecklesonherskin.Herlongeyelashes.Hervibrantsmile.Ican’thelpbutadmirethewayshewieldsherownpower.Howshecommandstheattentionandrespectofherfather’semployees,butalsohowshegrowssoftaroundme,cuddlingclosewhenshethinksnooneislooking.
Ithinkofmyhandinterlacedwithhers.
AndeverytimeanimageofCalliefloatstomyconsciousness,Icursemyself.Ishouldbestrongerthanthis.Ishouldn’tthinkofher.Ishouldputheroutofmymind,writeheroffasasillylittlegirlwhoisluckyI’mlettingherlive.
Butdeepdown,despitemyPower,IknowCalliehascontroloverme—andmyphantomheart.
Thenextmorning,Ireturnedtothefreakshow,withonlyonethingonmymind:freeingDamon.
“Hello,friend!”thestrongman,Arnold,greetedmeasIwalkedthroughthegatewaytothefairgrounds.
“Hello,”Imuttered.
Thetattooedwomancameupbehindhimandgazedatmequizzically.WithoutherIndia-inkeddesigns,shewasactuallyquitepretty,withhighcheekbonesandwide,inquisitiveeyes.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Igruntedinresponse.
“You’llwanttoapologizetoCallie.”Shepointedatthesideofthetent.
SoCalliehadalreadytoldherfriendsaboutourdisastrousevening.JustasIhadfeared.IwalkedaroundthegroundsuntilIsawCalliekneelingoverapieceofbirchwoodatherfeet.Paintsplatteredheroveralls,andherredhairwastwistedontopofherheadandheldinplacebyasingle,slender,long-handledpaintbrush.Thesignsaid:
APENNYAPEEK:AREAL,LIVE,HUNGRYVAMPIRE.ENTERIFYOUDARE!
Underneathwasacrudedrawingofavampire:fangselongated,eyessquinting,bloodtricklingdownbothsidesofhismouth.ThefeatureswereDamon’s,butitwasclearCalliehaddrawnsignificantartisticinspirationfromtheburlesqueshowlastnight.
Callielookedup,catchingmestaring.HermouthmadearoundO,andshedroppedherbrushontothecanvas.AlargeblackspotsuddenlyappearedonDamon’sface.
“Lookwhatyoumademedo,”shesaidangrily.
Istuckmyhandsinmypockets,subtlysniffingtheairfortracesofDamon.“I’msorry.”
Calliesighedinannoyance.“Idon’tneedyourapologies.IjustneedyoutostopdistractingmesoIcangetsomeworkdone.”
“Doyouwantmetohelpyoufixthepainting?”ThewordswereoutofmymouthbeforeIcouldstopthem.Theyhungbetweenusforalongmoment,bothofusseeminglysurprisedbymyoffer.
“Fixthepainting?”Callieechoed,puttingherhandsonherhips.“AmIhearingyoucorrectly?Fixthepainting?”
“Yes?”Ifumbled.
“Areyouawarethatyouleftmelastnighttogethomealone,withnoexplanation?”Herchinwasjuttedout,andherstancewasaggressive,butherlowerlipwobbled,andIcouldtellshewashurt.
“Callie,”Ibegan.Excusesflewthroughmyhead.Iworkforyourfather.Weshouldnotsneakaround.You’rejustagirl,andI’mavampire…EventhoughpartofmewasfuriousatherforallowingherfathertoparadeDamonaroundlikelivestock,tolethimfightperhapsuntildeath,theotherpartknewthatshehadaslittleswayoverherfatherasI’dhadwithmine.AndnowallIcouldthinkaboutwasmakingherlipstopwobbling.
“It’sbetterthisway,”Isaid,twistingmyringaroundmyfinger.
Sheshookherheadandstabbedthesharpwoodenendofthepaintbrushintothedirt.Itremainedthere,asifitwereatinysurrenderflagafterabattle.“Noexplanationnecessary.We’veknowneachotheraweek.Youdon’towemeanexplanation.That’sthebestthingaboutstrangers:Youdon’towethemanything,”shesaidcrisply.
Irockedbackonmyheels.Asilencehungbetweenus.TheimageofDamonglaredupatme,seeminglymockingmyineffectiveness.
“Well,aren’tyougoingtogettowork?”sheasked.“Orarewejustpayingyoutostandaround?”
BeforeIcouldturntoleave,Jasperburstoutofasmallblacktentattheedgeoftheproperty.“Weneedsomeextrahands!”
Alankymantrailedbehindhim,cradlinghisforearmclosetohischest.
Callieleapedtoherfeet.“Whathappened?”
Asthemanheldouthishand,bloodfloweddownhisarmontotheground.Iavertedmyeyes.Evenso,painrippledalongmyjawasIfeltmyfangsgrow.
“Thevampire’sfightingtoday.Weneedmoremen.”Jaspergaspedbreathlessly,hiseyesfallingonme.
“Stefan,”Calliesaidinatonethatwasn’taquestion.
Jasperandthestockymanstaredatme.
“Wellthen,comeon,newguy.Showusyou’reGallaghermaterial,”Jaspersaid,jerkinghischininthedirectionofthetent.
“Ofcourse,”Isaidslowly,aplanforminginmymind.Icouldpickoutfourseparateheartbeatsinthetent.Therewouldbecopiousamountsofvervain,ofcourse,butI’dbeenfeedingregularlyenoughthatImightbeabletoovercomethemen.FourIcouldhandle,butfive…IturnedtoJasper.“Whydon’tyouandCallietakecareofyourmanhereandI’lljointheothersinthetent?”
“I’mcoming,brother,”Iaddedundermybreath.
Calliesquintedatme.“Didyousaysomething?”
“No,”Isaidquickly.
Jaspershiftedfromfoottofoot,sizingmeupwithhiseyes.“CalliewilltakecareofCharleyhere,andI’lltakecareofyou.Teachyouthetricksofmonsterwrangling,”hesaid,clappingmeontheback,pushingmetowardthetent.
Witheachstepthescentofvervaingrewstronger,curdlingthebloodinmyveins.
Together,weenteredthetent.Theinteriorwashotanddark,thestenchofvervainnearlysuffocatingme.Ittookeveryounceofmystrengthnottobendatthewaistandscreaminagony.Iforcedmyeyesopenandlookedatmybrother,whowaschainedinthecorner.Fourmenyankedonhisrestraints,tryingdesperatelytokeephiminplace.
ThesecondDamon’seyeslandedonme,hisfacelitup.
“Welcometohell,brother,”Damonwhispered,hislipsbarelymovingashelockedeyeswithme.ThenheturnedtoJasper.“So,Jasp,”hesaid,inaconversationaltone,asiftheywerejusttwomenengagedinafriendlytalkatatavern,“youfoundanewsaptodoyourdirtywork.Well,comeon,brother.Let’sseeifyoucanstakeme.”
“Hisbarkisworsethanhisbite,”Jaspersaid,holdingoutastaketome.FromitsstenchIcouldtellithadbeensoakedinvervain.
“Givemeyourgloves,”Isaidwithanairofauthority.Touchingthewoodwouldgivemeawayinstantly.
“Won’tgiveyoumuchprotection.Thosefangscangothroughanything,”Jasperprotested.
“Justgivethemtome,”Isaidthroughclenchedteeth.Damonwatchedtheexchangeintently,clearlyenjoyingmypredicament.
“Okay,ifthey’llmakeyoumorecomfortable….”Jaspershruggedandhandedmehisleathergloves.IpulledthemovermyhandsandtookthestakefromJasper,myhandstremblingslightly.Howcouldsomethingsolightbesodeadly?
Damonletoutalowchuckle.“Isthisthebestyoucouldrustleup?Helooksaboutreadytokeelover.”
Iglaredatmybrother.“I’mtryingtosaveyou,”Iwhispered.
Damonjustsnortedderisively.
“Please,”Iadded.
“Pleasewhat?”hesaid,wrappingthechainsaroundhishands.
“Pleaseletmesaveyou.”
“Sorry.Can’thelpyouthere,”hesaid,beforeyankingonthechains.Twooftheguardsfelltothegroundinsurprise.
“Dosomething!”Jaspersaidgruffly.“You’vegottostickhim,lethimknowhisplace.”
“Listentoyourboss,”Damonsneered.“Beamanandstabme.Arealmanisn’tafraidofblood,isn’tthatright?”
Jasperbentdownandgrabbedastakefromtheground.
“C’mon,boy.Earnyourkeep,”hesaid,usingthesideofthestaketonudgemeforward.Igasped.Painshotupanddownmyskin,asifI’dbeentouchedbyahotpoker.
Damonlaughedagain.
Theflapopened,andCalliepokedherheadthroughthetent.
Ilookedwildlyoverather.“Callie,youshouldn’tbehere!”
BothsheandDamonlookedatmequizzically.Asickeningfeelingspreadthroughmylimbs.Thevervain,theheat,thestakes…
Justthen,withasimpletwistfromhischains,DamonbrokefreeandlungedtowardCallie.Callieshrieked,andJasperdovetoshieldher.
Timeseemedtostop,andwithoutthinking,IhurledmystakethroughDamon’sbelly.Hefellbackward,gasping,bloodspurtingfromthewound.
“Isaid,please!”Ihissedwildly,inavoiceonlyDamoncouldhear.Calliecoweredneartheflap,hereyeswideassheglancedbetweenmeandDamon.
Damonlookedup,wheezingashepulledthestakefromhisstomach.ThenIheardthefaintest,hoarsewhisperovertheshoutsofJasperandthetrainersastheymovedtore-chainDamon.
“Thenpleaseknowthatyourhellhasn’tevenyetbegun,brother.”
Chapter24
Irandowntothelake,thesoundofthestakerippingthroughDamon’sfleshechoinginmymind.OnceIgottotheshore,Istaredatmyreflectioninthewater.Myhazeleyesstaredback,mylipspressedintoathinline.Withanangryjerk,Ithrewapebbleintothepond,shatteringmyimageintoathousandlittleripples.
Partofmewantedtojumpinthelake,swimtotheotherside,andnevercomeback.DamnDamontohellifdeathwaswhathewantedsomuch.ButnomatterhowmuchIwishedhe’ddie,Icouldn’tkillhim.Despiteeverything,wewerebrothers,andIwanted—needed—todoeverythinginmypowertosavehim.Afterall,bloodwasthickerthanwater.IlaughedbitterlyasIthoughtofthedeepermeaningsofthemetaphor.Bloodwasalsomorecomplicated,moredestructive,andmoreheartbreakingthanwater.
Isankintothebrackishsandatthewater’sedgeandlaybackwithasigh,lettingthewanNovembersuncascadeoverme.Idon’tknowhowlongIremainedlikethatbeforeIfeltmuffledfootfallsvibratethegroundbeneathme.
Isighed.Idon’tknowwhatI’dhopedtofind,comingdowntothelake,butmypeaceandquietwasruinedwhenCalliesatdownnexttome.
“Everythingokay?”sheasked,throwingasmallrockintothelakewithaplunk.Shedidn’tturntofaceme.
“Ijust…couldyouleavemealone?”Imuttered.“Please.”
“No.”
Isatupandlookedhersquareintheface.“Whynot?”
Calliepursedherlips,herforeheadcrinklingasthoughshewereworkingthroughacomplicatedproblem.Then,hesitantly,shereachedoutwithhertinypinkyfingerandtracedtheoutlineofmylapislazuliring.
“Themonsterhasaringlikethis,”shesaid.
Ijerkedmyhandawayinhorror.HowcouldIhaveforgottenaboutourrings?
Callieclearedherthroat.“Isthevampire,isheyour…brother?”
Mybloodrancold,andIjumpedtomyfeet.
“No,Stefan!Stay.”Callie’sgreeneyeswerewide,hercheeksflushed.“Please.Juststay.Iknowwhatyouare,andI’mnotafraid.”
Itookastepback,mybreathcominginrapidgasps.Mymindspun,andIfeltnauseatedalloveragain.“HowcanyouknowwhatIamandnotfearme?”
“You’renotamonster,”shesaidsimply.Sherosetoherfeetaswell.
Foramoment,wejuststoodthere,notspeaking,barelybreathing.Aduckcutanarcthroughthelake.Ahorsewhinniedinthedistance.Andthescentofpinetickledmynose.InoticedthenthatCalliehadremovedallthevervainfromherhair.
“Howcanyousaythat?”Iasked.“Icouldkillyouinaninstant.”
“Iknow.”Shelookedintomyeyesasifsearchingforsomething.Mysoul,perhaps.“Sowhyhaven’tyou?Whydon’tyounow?”
“BecauseIlikeyou,”Isaid,surprisingmyselfwiththewords.
Awhisperofasmileflittedacrossherlips.“Ilikeyoutoo.”
“Areyousureaboutthat?”Itookherwristsinmineandshepulledawayalittle.“BecausewhenItouchyou,Idon’tknowwhetherIwanttokissyouor…or…”
“Kissme,”shesaidbreathlessly.“Don’tthinkaboutthealternative.”
“Ican’t.IfIdo,itwon’tstopthere.”
Calliemovedclosertome.“Butyousavedme.Whenyour…brotherlungedforme,youstakedhim.Youstakedyourownbrother.Forme.”
“Justinthestomach,nottheheart,”Ipointedout.
“Still.”Sheplacedherhandonmychest,rightoverwheremyheartusedtobe.Istiffened,tryingnottoinhalethescentofher.
BeforeIcouldreact,shepulledaneedleoutofherpocketandpuncturedherindexfinger.Ifroze.
Blood.
Justonedropofit,likeasingleruby,balancedthereonthetipofherfinger.
God,Callie’sblood.Itsmelledlikecedarwoodandthesweetestwine.Myfacebegantosweat,andmybreathingbecameheavy.Mysensessharpened,andmyfangsthrobbed.FearflashedinCallie’seyesandradiatedoffherbody.
Andjustlikethat,myfangsretracted.Ifellbackward,panting.
“See,you’renotamonster,”shesaidfirmly.“Notlikeheis.”
Thewindpickedup,causingCallie’shairtorippleoutbehindherlikethewavesinthelake.Sheshivered,andIstoodup,pullingherclose.
“Maybe,”Iwhisperedintoherear,drinkingintheheadyscentofher,mymouthinchesfromherneck.Icouldn’tbeartotellheraboutallthelivesI’dtaken,howDamonthoughtthatIwasthemonster.“Buthe’smybrother.Andit’smyfaulthe’sinthere.”
“Doyouwantmetohelpyoufreehim?”shesaidheavily,asifshe’dknownallalongthatourconversationwouldcometothis.
“Yes,”Isaidsimply.
Calliechewedonherlipassheplayedwithastrandofherhair,wrappingitonherfinger,overandoveragain.
“Butyoudon’thaveto.”Iavoidedhereyes,soIknewIwasn’tcompellingher.
Shestaredatmecarefully,asifmyfacewereaciphershecoulddecode.
“Intwodays,”shesaid,“meetmeatmidnight.That’swhenDamonwillbemovedtoourattic.”
“Areyousure?”
Shenodded.“Yes.”
“Thankyou.”Icuppedhercheekswithmyhandsandleanedforward,pressingmyforeheadtohers.AndthenIkissedher.
Aswestood,palmtopalm,chesttochest,IcouldhaveswornIfeltmyheartcomebacktolife,beatinginperfectsyncwithhers.
Chapter25
WhenIgotbacktothevampirehouse,themoonwashanginghighinthesky.Lexiwassprawledonthesofa,hereyesclosedasshelistenedtoHugoplaythepiano.Thepianowassooutoftunethatthemusichepoundedout,whichwassupposedtobearousingrevolutionarymarch,soundedmorelikeafuneraldirge.Still,Icouldn’thelpbutpullLexiup,whirlingheraroundinanimpromptudance.
“You’relate,”Lexisaid,duckingoutofthetwirl.“Orwereyouonanotherdate?”
“Orkillingmorehumans?”Buxtonasked,enteringtheroom.
“Areyouinlove?”Percyasked,leaninghiselbowsonhiskneesandglancingupatmejealouslyfromthecornertable,wherehewasplayingagameofsolitaire.Percyclearlylovedwomen,buthischildlikefacemadehimlooklikeaboyoffifteen,andoftenthewomenhewasmostattractedtoassumedLexiwashismother.IwasthankfulI’dbeenturnedintoavampireattheageIhadbeen.
Ishookmyhead.“I’mnotinlove,”Isaid,wonderingifIwassayingittoconvincemyself.“ButI’msettlingintotheroutineatthefreakshow.IthinkI’mlearningtolikeNewOrleans.”
“That’sgreatnews,”Buxtonbreathedsarcastically.
“Buxton.”Lexiglancedathimreproachfullybeforeturningherattentionbacktome.“Didyouforgetourplans?”
Irackedmybrain,butfinallyshookmyhead.“I’msorry.”
Lexisighed.“Remember—I’mtakingyoushopping.Imaybeavampire,butIstillhaveawoman’svanity,anditsimplydoesn’tsuitmetobesurroundedbymeninill-fittingclothing.Whatwouldtheneighborsthink?”Shelaughed,amusedbyherownjoke.
“Oh,right.”Iinchedtowardthestairway.“Maybewecouldgotomorrow?I’mexhausted.”
“I’mserious,Stefan,”Lexisaid,takingmyarm.“Youneedclothes,andit’satraditionofsorts.Itookthosetwogentlemeninforfittings,andlookatthemnow,”shesaid,noddingtowardBuxtonandHugoasifexceptionallypleasedwithherwork.Itwastrue.FromBuxton’shigh-collaredbluecoattoHugo’swell-tailoredbritches,theydidlookhandsome.“Besides,youdon’thaveachoice,”shesaidmischievously.
“Idon’t?”
“No.”Lexiopenedthedoorwithaflourish.“Boys,we’reoff.Whenwecomeback,youwon’tevenrecognizeStefan,he’lllooksohandsome!”
“Bye,handsome!”Buxtonyelledsarcasticallyasthedoorclickedclosed.Lexishookherhead,butIdidn’tmind.Inanoddway,I’dgottenusedtoBuxton.Hewaslikeabrotherofsorts.Abrotherwithapotentiallyfatalshorttemper,butoneI’dgottenusedtomanaging.
Together,LexiandIwalkedcompanionablyintothecoolnightair.IsawLexilookingatmeoutofthecornerofhereye,andIwonderedwhatshesaw.
IfeltIwaslivingthreedistinctlives:Inone,Iwasaloyalbrother,inanotherIwasanewmemberofaclubIdidn’tquiteunderstand,andinthethirdIwasayoungmanplacingmytrustinahumanwoman—awomanwhomIhadstakedmyownfleshandbloodtosave.Thetroublewas,Iwasn’tsurehowtoseamlesslyliveallthreelives.
“You’requiet,”Lexisaidinmidstep.“And”—shesniffedtheair—“youhaven’tbeendrinkinghumanblood.I’mproudofyou,Stefan.”
“Thanks,”Imurmured.Iknewshewouldn’tbeproudofmeifItoldherabouttheconversationCallieandIhadshared.She’dsaythatIwastooimpulsive,toona?ve,thatI’dmadeahugemistaketellingCalliemysecret.AlthoughIhadn’ttoldasmuchasconfirmedherremarkablyaccuratesuspicions.
“Hereweare,”Lexisaid,stoppingatanondescriptwoodendooronDauphineStreet.Shetookaslimmetalhookfromherpocketandjiggleditinthelockofthefrontdoor.Afteramoment,itclickedopen.
“Andnow,theshopisopenforbusiness.”Lexispreadherhandswide,perchingonastiffleatherottoman.“Takeyourpick.”
Adozenmannequinswithpuffed-outchestsheldcourtinthestore.Oneinatweedjacketlifteditsarminawave,whileanotherinasailor’scaphadahandaboveitseyes,asthoughstaringstraightouttosea.Boltsoffinefabricswereproppedupagainstthebackwall,andarowofcuff-linksglistenedunderglass.Stacksofready-madeshirtskeptsilentwatchoverthedarkenedshop,andafewcravatsspilledoutofadrawer.
Lexicrossedheranklesbeneathherskirtsandgazedatme,alookofprideonherfaceasIpulledacamel-haircoatoffamannequinanddrapeditaroundmyshoulders.
Istoodstiffly,waitingforapproval,asIhaddonewhenmymotherhadtakenmeshopping.
“Well,Ican’ttellwhenyoustandthereaswoodenasamannequin.Walkaroundabit.Seewhatyouthink,”Lexisaidwithanimpatientwaveofherhand.
Irolledmyeyesbuttookaturnaroundtheroom,actingliketherichmenCallieandI’dseenattheburlesqueshow.IheldoutmyhandtoLexiwithaflourish.“Caretodance?”IsaidinanexaggeratedBritishaccent.
Lexishookherhead,amusementevidentinhereyes.
“Okay,Igetit.It’salittletoodandy.Howaboutthatone?”Sheangledherchinatamannequininblacktrousersandagraycoatwithredpiping.Iremovedmyjacketandpulledthecoataroundmyshoulders.
Lexinodded,hereyestakingonafarawaylook.
“Whatareyouthinkingabout?”Iasked.
“Mybrother,”shesaid.
Ithoughtoftheboyintheportrait,hiseyessomuchlikeLexi’s.“Whatabouthim?”
Lexipickedupasilkcravatandlaceditbetweenherfingers.Shedidn’tlookatmeasshespoke.“Afterourparentsdied,Istartedtakingwalkswithaboywhowasavampire.HeaskedifIwantedtoliveforever.AndofcourseIdid,becauseIwasyoung,andwhowouldn’twanttoalwaysbeyoungandbeautiful?Also,ifIturned,itmeantI’dneverhavetoleaveColin.He’dalreadylostsomuch,andIthought,well,atleasthecouldknowthathe’dneverloseme.”
“WasColinavampire?”
Lexipulledthecravatthroughherfingersandcrackeditlikeawhip.“I’dneverdothattosomeoneIloved.”
TheimageofmeforcingDamontodrinkfromAlice,thebarmaidinthetavernbackhome,flashedthroughmymind.Ilookeddown,notwantingLexitosensewhatI’ddonetosomeoneIloved.“Sowhathappened?”
“Peoplegotsuspicious.Ididn’tknowthenhowcarefulweneededtobe.Mybrotherwasgrowingup,andIwasstayingthesame.Peoplewondered.Andtherewasasiege,andourhousewastorched.Andtheironyis,IescapedandColindidn’t.Andhewastheinnocentone.Hewasonlysixteen.”
“I’msorry,”Isaidfinally.ItriedtoimagineLexiasahuman,leaningonthearmofthemanwhohadpromisedtheworldtoher,justasKatherinehadpromisedtheworldtome.Ipicturedhimspiritingherawaytoadarkalley,takingjustalittlebloodatfirst,askinghertodrinkhis,thenstabbingherthroughthehearttocompletethetransformation.
Lexiwavedherhand,wipingawaytheimageofherselfasayounggirl.“Don’tbesorry.Itwasmorethanacenturyago.He’dbedeadanywaybynow.”Sheappraisedme.“Thatjacketlooksgoodonyou.”
“Thankyou,”Isaid.SuddenlytheweightofmydiscussionwithCalliefeltheavyinmystomach.“IhaveaplantosaveDamon,”Iblurtedout.
Lexi’sheadjerkedup,hereyesflashing.“What?”
“Tomorrownight.Callie’shelpingme.”IallowedmyeyestomeetLexi’s.“Damon’sbackatLaurelStreet.Herfatherwillbeoutofthehouseatacardgame,sowe’llfreeDamonthen.”
“DidyoutellCalliewhatyouare?”sheasked,hervoicelowandhard.
Ichewedonmythumb.“No.”
“Stefan!”
“Sheguessed,”Isaiddefensively.“AndItrusther.”
“Trust!”Lexispat.Shestoodupsoabruptlytheottomantoppledover.“Youdon’tknowthemeaningoftheword.CallieisthedaughterofPatrickGallagher,whojustforcedyourbrothertofightamountainliontothedeath.Howdoyouknowthisisn’tsomeelaborateplantoimprisonyou,too?”
“HowstupiddoyouthinkIam?”Ichallenged,steppingclosertoLexi.“Imaybeyoung,butIhavegoodinstincts.”
Lexigaveaderisivesnort.“Youmeanthesameinstinctsthatlandedyoubackedupinabutchershopwiththreevampiressurroundingyou?Thesameinstinctsthatledyoutomurderthatwomanonthetrain?”
“I’mstillhere,aren’tI?”
“Becauseofme!Andtheboysbackatthehouse.ButIwillnotallowyoutodragusintoconfrontingPatrickGallagher,ofallpeople.”
“Noone’sdraggingyouintoanything!”Iyelledinfrustration.“Justbecauseyouletyourbrotherdiedoesn’tmeanI’mgoingtoletmine!Iowehimthatmuch.”
“Youungratefulchild!”shespat,pushingmewithallherforceagainstagold-framedmirror.Ifellasthemirrorshatteredaroundme.Onelargeshardcutalargegashacrossmyarm,butitbarelyhurt.Instead,IwasshockedbyLexi’sstrength.I’dseenitbefore,butI’dneverbeenonthereceivingend.
Lexitoweredaboveme,hereyesglittering.“Youneedtolearnyourplace,andyouneedtolearnitfast.You’reavampire.Andvampiresdonotconsortwithhumans.”
Ileapedtomyfeetandpushedherawayfromme.Sheflewacrossthestoreandlandedagainsttheboltsoffabric.
“Thisonedoes,ifitmeanssavingDamon,”Igrowled.ThenIstalkedoutoftheshopandintotheblacknessofthenight.
Chapter26
Ispentthenightatthelakeagain,butthistimeIdidn’tsleep.InsteadIsatalongthebank,listeningtotheworldhumaroundmeasthoughIwasanaudiencememberatamusicalshow.Frogscroakedmelodically,blowingouttheirchestswithproudpuffs.Fishswamtothelake’ssurfacetogulpdownthewaterbugsthathoveredthere,thendivedbackdowntothedepthswithsoftflipsoftheirtails.BirdsflewoverheadinVformation,andsmallanimalsrustledthroughthereeds,chasingoneanotherastheyferretedouttheirnextmeal.
Thencamethegrandfinaleasthesun,anenormous,wateryorb,rosetoitsplaceofprominenceinthesky,signalingthatitwastheall-powerfulkingandEarthwasitssubject.
AsIsatthere,watchingtheonethingthatcouldkillmeinaninstantifitweren’tfortheringKatherinegaveme,asenseofcalmrippledthroughmybody.TheworldwasbeautifulandmagicalandIwasluckytostillhaveaplaceinit.
Grabbingaperfectlyround,flatstone,Istoodandlookedoutoverthewater.Iclosedmyeyes.Ifitskipsfourtimes,everythingwillbeokay.ThenIletthestonesoar.Itskippedonce…twice…threetimes
“Fourskips!Impressive!”avoicecheered,followedbyenthusiasticclapping
IturnedaroundjustasCallieleapedintomyarms.
“Goodmorning!”Ilaughed,spinningheraround.
“You’reinagoodmood,”shesaidwithasmile.
“Iam.Andit’sallthankstoyou.”
Shetuckedherarmthroughmine.“Inthatcase,Iknowjusthowyoucanthankme!”
Ifeltherpulsebeatingthroughmycoat,andherbloodsmellednearlyirresistible.Butthestonehadskippedfourtimes,soIbentdowntokissher.
CallieandIspentalldaytogether,andthenIsleptatthelakeagain.WhenIarrivedhomethefollowingdayatdusk,Ifoundapileofclothes,includingtheblacktrousersandgraycoatI’dmodeledforLexi,ontheflooroutsidemyroom.Ontopofthepilewasanote,writteninblockhandwriting.
Followyourheart.You’reluckyyoustillhaveone.
Iscoopedthebundleupintomyarms,touched,relieved,andalittlebitsadallatonce.
Ichangedintoabluechambrayshirtandwhitetrousersandslickedmyhairbackinthemirror.Ilookedlikeanyyoungmanpreparingforarendezvouswithaprettygirl.Ijustwisheditwerethatsimple.
Icreptdownthestairs,waitingforsomeonetojumpoutoftheshadowstostopme—totellmemyplanwouldneverwork.ButImadeitallthewaydownandthenthroughthekitchenandoutthebackdoorwithoutthathappening.
Onceoutside,IwalkedthetwomilestoLaurelStreetwithmyhandsinmypockets,whistlingthestrainsof“GodSavetheSouth.”Ipausedtopickawhitemagnoliafromabushinfrontofapeach-coloredmansionatthebottomofCallie’sstreet.
“Stefan!”anurgentwhispercamefrombehindthetreeatthebottomoftheGallagherdriveway.
Calliesteppedintoview.Herhairwaslooseandflowingdownherback,andshewaswearingawhitenightdresstrimmedineyeletlace,justlikethefirsttimeI’dseenher,exceptthatthistimeshewasstandingcloseenoughtomethatIcouldseethatalthoughshewaswearingaheavygraywoolenshawl,shewasn’twearingapetticoat.Iturnedaway,suddenlyshy.
“Stefan,”Calliemurmured,brushingmyarmwithherfingers.“Areyouready?”
“Yes,”Isaid.Itooktheflowerandtuckeditbehindherear.
Shesmiled.“You’resuchagentleman.”
“Andyou’rebeautiful,”Iresponded,reachingouttopushastrandofhairbehindherear.Hertresseswereassoftasrosepetalsandsmelledofhoney.Iwantedtostaythereforever,watchingherbreathformpuffsofairinfrontofme.
“Callie…”Ibegan,whenthebellsofadistantchurchchimedsuddenlyintothefrostyair.Twelvebells.Midnight.Thewitchinghour.
“It’stime,”Calliesaid.“Jasper’sshiftlastsuntiltwelvethirty,butIcantellhimyou’retheretorelievehimearly.Thatwillbuyussometime.Oncethesecondguardshowsup,you’llbelonggone.Butwehavetohurry.”Shesoundedverysureofherself,buthertremblinglipgaveawayheremotions.Iwantedtothrowmyarmsaroundher,tuckherintobed,andwhisper“sweetdreams”inherear.ButI,avampire,wasrelyingonthischildtoprotectme.
Callieknitherfingerstogetherasifinsilentprayer.Thenshenoddedandgavemeawansmile.“Don’tbescared,”shesaid,pressingherpalmintomine.ButIcouldfeelherheartthumpingatagallopfromthepulsepointsinherpalm.
Sheledmethroughtheirongatesandaroundthegraveldriveway,andopenedanondescriptdooronthesideofthehouse.
“Bequiet,”Calliecommanded,asmyeyesadjustedtothedark.Unliketherestofthehouse,withitspolishedmarbleandgleamingoak,thisentrancewasstrictlyutilitarian,designedforservantstohaveeasyaccesstothestoragespaceintheatticwithoutdisturbingtheresidentsofthehouse.Asteepstaircase,madeofunfinishedwalnutbeams,loomedinfrontofus.Calliecockedherhead,listeningforsomething.Ifollowedsuit,althoughmythoughtswerebuzzingtooloudlyformetohearspecificwords.
Suddenly,Iheardascrapingsoundfromtheflooraboveus.Callieglancedatme;she’dhearditaswell.
“Jasper,”Callieexplained.“Weshouldgoup.”Shewalkedupthericketysteps,asIfollowedquicklybehindher.Oncewegottothecracked,whitewasheddoor,sheknocked—twoquickrapsfollowedbyapause,thenalongerone.
Alockclicked,andthenweheardthescratchofmetalagainstmetalasJasperundidthebolt.Finally,heopenedthedoor,wedginghisbodynexttotheedgesowecouldn’tseeinside.
“Well,well,well.Callieandthemanwhostakedthevampire,thenranforhislife.Towhatdoweowethepleasure?”Jasperleered.Ishifteduncomfortably,tryingtogetaglimpseinsidetheroom.
“Hello,Jasper,”Calliesaid,brushingpasthimandmotioningformetofollow.Inthedarkness,Icouldjustmakeoutasizablecageinthecorner.Alarge,unmovinglumplayinside.“Fatherneedsyouinthestudy.Stefanwilltakeoveruntilthenextshiftarrives.”
“MeetJasperinthestudy?”aloudvoiceboomed.“ButI’mrighthere.”
Ifroze.Gallagher.
Callie’sfatherwasperchedataricketytablebehindthedoor,ahandofcardslaidoutinfrontofhim.Inthecenterofthetable,asinglecandleflickered.
“Oh,Father.”Calliegiggled.Thesoundfeltforced,outofplace.“Imusthavebeenconfused.Iknowyou’dwantedtoplaycardstonight,andIsupposeIthoughtyou’dbemorecomfortableinthestudyor…”shebegan,hervoicewavering.ShelickedherlipsandsatdownatthetableacrossfromGallagher
“You’rekindtothinkofme,girl,”Gallaghersaidgruffly.
“Mr.Gallagher,”Isaid,bowingslightly.“Iwastoldtoreportforduty,butperhapsI’mmistaken?”Theconfusionwasn’thardtofeign.Calliehadswornherfatherwouldbeoutofthehouse.
“Isthatright,Jasper?”Gallagherasked.
“Guessitis.Heain’tbad,thatone.Alittlenervous,butwhenhesticks’em,hesticks’emgood.”
Gallaghernodded,takingintheinformation.
“Andthisisthatboyyoutrust,MissCallie?”Gallagheraskedhisdaughter.
Callienodded,hercheeksreddeningunderherfreckles.Thenfinally,thankfully,Gallagherstoodup,hischairscrapingagainstthefloor.
“Well,then,I’llleaveyouboystoit,”hesaid,takinghiswhiskeyandfollowinghisdaughterdownstairs.
“Soyou’reGallagher’sguynow,ain’tyou?”Jasperasked,shovingavervain-soakedstakeinmyhands.Myskinburned,andpainshotthroughmyarms.Ifoughttheurgetogrowlandclampeddownonmytongue.Tensing,Ifeltthestakewithonlytwofingers,tryingtominimizethecontactthepoisonedwoodhadwithmybody.
“Well,Iain’tgoingtostickaround,”Jaspercontinued.“Thevampire’shungrytonight.Hopeheeatsyou.Andwhilehedoesthat,I’mgoingtospendsometimewithMissCallieandherdaddy.Show’emyou’renottheonlymanwhocanbeallfriendlyandgenteel-like,”Jaspersaid.Hismovementswereloose,andIcouldsmellwhiskeyonhisbreath.
Assoonasthefootfallsfaded,Idroppedthestaketothegroundwithanagonizedmoan,thengingerlywalkedtothelargecageinthecorner.Damonwaslyinginaheapatthecornerofthecagelikeawoundedanimal.
“Brother?”Iwhispered.
Damonrearedup,fangsbared,causingmetojumpbackinsurprise.
Helaughed,ahoarsechuckle,thencollapsedagainstthesideofthecage,exhaustedfromtheexertion.
“What,brother?Scaredofavampire?”
IignoredhimasIbeganwrestingthedooroffthestructure.Damonwatchedincuriosityandthenslowlycrawledovertowardme.HewasjustreachingoutwhenIfeltasearingpainradiatefrommyspinethroughmyentirebody.
“Gotcha!”avoiceyelled.
Theworldwentweightless,andsuddenlyIwasfallingforward.Iknockedintosomethinghard—Damon?—andthencametheresoundingclangofthemetalcagedoorlockingbehindme.
Chapter27
Myheavy-liddedeyesfoughttodriftopen.Ididn’tknowhowmuchtimehadpassed.Wasitonenight?Two?Aweek?Itwasdark,whereverIwas.Iwasvaguelyconscious,hearingfootfallsandyelling,andonceavoicethatsoundedlikeCallie’s,callingoutmyname.ButonedayIwokeupwithoutsuddenlyfallingbackintounconsciousness.Iliftedmyarms,realizingIwasshackledtothewall.Ihadvervainburnsonmyarmsandlegs.Driedbloodcrustedmyentirebody,makingitimpossibleformetotellwhereIwaswounded.Nexttome,Damonwassittingwithhiskneestohischest.Bloodcoveredhisbody,andhischeeksweregaunt.Darkshadowsrimmedhissunkeneyes,butaslowsmilewasspreadingacrosshisface.
“Notsopowerfulnow,areyou,brother?”
Istruggledtositup.Mybonesached.Theatticwassoakedinadimgraylightthatcamefromafilthywindow.Thepaddingandsniffingofamousesoundedsomewherefaracrosstheroom.Itstirredahungerinsideme,andIrealizedthatIhadn’tfedsincebeinghere.Inthecorner,twounfamiliarguardsweresitting,oblivioustoournear-silentconversation.
Ishookmyheadindisgust.HowcouldIhavebeensostupid?Lexihadbeenright.Ofcourseshehad.Calliehadbetrayedme.Itmusthavebeenherplanallalong,fromthesecondshe’dnoticedtheringonmyfingerthatmatchedDamon’s.IshouldhaverealizeditthemomentI’dseenherfatherintheroom.HowhadIsteppedintosuchastupid,obvioustrap?Ideservedtobechaineduplikeananimal.
“Didyouloveher?”Damonasked,asifhecouldreadmythoughts.
Istaredstraightahead.
“Shehasn’tcometovisit,incaseyouwerecurious,”Damoncontinuedconversationally.“Sheispretty,thoughinmyhumbleopinion,youcoulddobetter.”
Angerpushedmyfangsintoplace.“Whereareyougoingwiththis?”Igrowled
Damongesturedtothebars.“Nowhere,apparently.Excellentjobontherescueattempt.”
“AtleastItried,”Isaid,myfuryebbingandresignationflowinginitsplace.
“Whyevenbother?”Damon’seyesflashed.“HaveInotmademyfeelingsaboutyouperfectlyclear?”
“I…”Ibegan,beforeIrealizedIhadnoideawheretoevenstart.HowcouldItellhimthatrescuinghimwasn’tachoice?Thatourbloodranineachother’sveins,thatwewereboundtoeachother.“Itdoesn’tmatter,”Isaid.
“No,itdoesn’t,”Damonsaid,adoptingaphilosophicaltone.“Afterall,we’llbothbedeadsoonenough.Thequestionis,willyoubekilledbyacrocodileorbyatiger?IheardGallaghersayingcrocodilesarethebestfightopponents,becausetheydon’tgoforthekill.Theydragitout.”
Justthentheatticdooropenedwithaflourish,andGallagherstrodeintotheroom,hisbootsechoingonthefloor.
“Thevampiresareawake!”hebellowed.
Thetwoguardshastilyjumpedtoattention,pretendingthey’dbeenwatchingusthewholetime.Gallagherstrodetowardthecage,kneelingatoureyelevel.Histhree-piecesuitwasimpeccable,asifhe’dmadehisfortuneasafinancierratherthanbytorturingvampires.
“Well,well,well…thefamilyresemblanceisobvious.I’membarrassedtonothavenoticeditsooner.”Hereachedthroughthebarsandgrabbedthefrontofmyshirt,pullingmeagainstthesideofthecage.Myfaceclangedagainstthebars,andIwincedassomethingwoodenjuttedintomychest.
Astake.
“Andyoualmostgotawaywithactinglikeahuman!”Gallagherthrewhisheadbackandlaughed,asifitwerethemostamusingthingintheworld.
“Youwon’tgetawaywiththis,”Ihissed,painrippingthroughmybodyashedugthestakefartherintomyskin.
“Payattention,vampire!”Gallaghersaid,hislipscurledbackinasnarl.“Youknow,IthinkI’mgoingtobetyou’retheonewho’llgetkilled.Yes,Ithinkthatwilldoverynicely.”Heturnedtowardthetwoguards.“Hearthat?Atipfromtheboss.Betonthedark-hairedone,”Gallaghersaid,twistingthestakeagainstmybody.“Ithinkhisbrotherhasmorehatredinhisbelly.”
Icouldn’tseeDamon’sface,butIcouldpicturethesmirkthatnodoubtplayedonhislips.
Gallaghersnortedinlaughterandthrewthevervain-soakedstaketothefloor.“Oh,andIdon’twantyouusingthestakesonthevampiresforsportanymore,”hesaidinthedirectionoftheguards.Theheavysetoneglancedguiltilydownatthefloor.
“Whynot?”theotheraskedindignantly.“It’sgoodfor’em.Shows’emtheirplace.”
“Becausewewantthemintip-topshapefortheirfight,”Gallaghersaid,hisvoiceanexaggeratedparodyofpatience.ThenGallaghersmiledatus.“That’sright,boys.Youtwoaregoingtobefighting,tothedeath.It’stheperfectsolution.I’llhaveonedeadvampiretosellforparts,aliveoneforperformances,andprofitbeyondmywildestimagination.Youknow,itmightbesacrilege,butIsay,thankGodforvampires!”
Withthat,Gallagherturnedtoleavetheattic,slammingthedoorbehindhim.Isankbackagainstthebars.Damondidthesame,shuttinghiseyes.Thetwoguardsgapedatusthroughthebars.
“Iknowthebosssaidthedark-hairedone,there,butain’thelookin’alittleweak?Mypenniesaregoin’forthatboy,”onecommented.
“Eh,Ialwaysgowithwhatthebosssays.Besides,ain’tallaboutsize,right?”thescrawnyonesaid,soundingaffrontedbythefirstguard’simplication
Islumpedagainstthewall,closingmyeyes.Thehatredthatmybrotherhadformewassurelyenoughtowantmedead.ButwouldDamonreallykillme?
“I’mmoreviciousthanacrocodile,brother,”Damonsaidwithasmile,hiseyesstillclosed.“AndthisisthebestpieceofnewsI’veheardsinceweturnedintovampires!”Helaughed,longandloud,untiloneoftheguardsclamberedoverand,despiteGallagher’sdecree,jabbedhimwithavervain-lacedstake.
Buteventhen,hecontinuedtolaugh.
Chapter28
RememberthetimewebrokeMother’scrystalbowl?AndIwassoworriedabouthowshewouldreactthatIcried?”Iasked.
“Yes,andthenFatherdecidedIwastoblameandwhippedmeandcalledmewicked,”Damonsaiddully.“Itriedtomakeyourlifeeasier,littlebrother.ButI’mdone.Thistime,Iwantyoutogetexactlywhatyoudeserve.”
“Whatdoyouwantmetosay,Damon?”Iaskedangrily,soloudlythetwoguardslookedupinsurprise.
Damonpaused,hiseyesathalf-mast.“I’lltellyouexactlywhatIwantyoutosay…rightbeforeIkillyou.”
Irolledmyeyesinangryfrustration.“Ithoughtyouweretheonewhowantedtodie.Andnowyou’regoingtokillme?”
Damonchuckled.“Youknow,nowthatIthinkaboutit,beingabeastfromhellmightnotbesobad.Infact,Ithinkit’saroleIcouldtaketo,immensely.Perhapsitwasn’tmynewfoundstateIdespised.Itwasyou.Butifyou’regone—”
“IfI’mgoneyou’llbeinPatrickGallagher’sfreakshowforever,”Iinterrupted.
“Butadmitit,brother.Don’tyouthinkPatrickGallagher’sfreakshowismorefunthanhell?AndonceIgetsomestrength,IthinkIcanplananescapequiteeasily.”
“AndthenI’msureyou’llgetcaught,justasyoudidthefirsttime,”Isaidindisgust.
Ileanedmyheadbackagainstthecagebars.Thefightwasoneshorthouraway,andIhadn’tgivenupontryingtoengageDamon,tosparkanypossiblethreadofconnectionbetweenus.ButnomatterwhatI’dsay,he’dtauntmeorignoreme.
Itwasimpossibletoknowjusthowlongwe’dbeentrapped.SinceIhadbecomeavampire,timehadtakenonadifferentquality.Secondsandminutesnolongermattered.Ifoundbeingimprisonedgavetimebackitsimportance,becauseeverysecondbroughtusclosertoourbattle.AsIwaited,Iplayedoutinmymindthevariousscenariosthefightcouldtake.IpicturedDamonsnappingmyneck,roaringtriumphantlyforthecrowd.Isawmyselfsuccumbingtoanger,accidentallystealinglifefrommybrother—again.
Butwhatwouldhappenifwebothrefusedtofight?Couldwetakeontheentireaudiencetogether?Couldwesomehowengineeranescape?Yes,Gallagher’sminionshadvervainandstakes,butwehadPower.IfonlyIhadCallieonmyside.
MyheartpangedpainfullyatthethoughtofCallie’sbetrayal.Theimageofherflame-redhairandgleamingeyesfloatedtomymindconstantly,inflamingmyanger—andhurt—overandover.Icurledmyfists.IfonlyI’dlistenedtoLexi.IfonlyIhadn’tletahumanin.
Myonlygoalforthebattlewasthat,ifIshoulddie,Iwoulddiewithmyeyesclosed,insteadofsearchingthecrowdforherface.
“Let’sgo,boys!”Gallaghercalledout,pushingopenthedoorasifhewererousingtwochildrenforabrightandearlyhike.Heworeablackwaistcoatandabrand-newgoldwatchthatglintedintheweaksunlight.Hesnappedhisfingers,andinstantlytheguardsjumpedtotheirfeet,bustlingtoputonthemakeshiftuniformofavampirehandler:gloves,boots,andvervain-soakedgarlands.
Thedoorofthecageflewopen,andguardsroughlyyankedusout,tightenedmuzzlesaroundourfangs,andshackledourhandsbehindourbacks.Wewereblindfolded,thenmarchedoutoftheatticandintothebackofablackironwagon.Thewagontookoff,bumpilyheadingdowntothelake.
Whenwearrivedatthetent,weweremarchedinoppositedirections.
“Boo!”
“Freak!”IheardthesideshowactshissasIwasmarchedthroughthebackstagearea.Itightenedmyjaw.IwonderedifLexiwonderedwhereIwas,ifshethoughtIwasalreadydead.
ThoughIwasstillblindfolded,Ikneweveryinchofthistent.Totheleftwasthetattooedwoman,andtotherightwasCaroline,thebeardedlady.Thefloordippeddown,andIknewIwasinthearena.
Ifeltsomethinggrabmyarm.“I’vetoldalotofpeopleaboutwhatacraftyoneyouare.Butdon’ttrytoohardformybenefit,Mr.Salvatore.Mymoneyisonyourbrother,”Jasperwhisperedgleefully.
Finally,theblindfoldwasremovedfrommyeyes.Thetentwaslituplikeitwasmidday,andallthestandswerecrammedwithpeople.Atthecenterofthering,Gallagherhadsetupabettingpool,wherepeoplefranticallywavedbillsintheair.Organmusicfilledthetent,andtheairsmelledlikecandiedapplesandrumpunch.
Andthen,outofthecornerofmyeye,Isawher.
Calliewasweavingthroughthestands,andbehindherwasBuck,carryingatinbox.Herhairwasplaitedwithvervainstems,andherfacewaspale.She’dobviouslybeendispatchedtocollectbetsinthestand.Shewascertainlyherfather’sdaughter,andshefulfilledherdutieswell.
Shedidnotlookatmeonce.
ItoremygazeawayfromherandforceditovertoDamonontheoppositesideofthering.Damonhadalwaysbeenagoodfighter,andhisrecentboutshadonlystrengthenedhim.IfDamonwantedtokillme,hewould.
Moreover,Iwouldlethim.Iowedhimthatmuch.
Jasperstruckthestartingbell,andthecrowdhushed.Gallagherstoodupfromhispostinthebettingpitandboomed:
“Welcome,ladiesandgentlemen,toanotherfineeveningofsportmadepossiblebyyourstruly,PatrickGallagher.Onlydaysago,webroughtyouthefirst-everfightbetweenavampireandamountainlion.Tonight,webringyouthefirst-everfightbetweentwovampires,includingthewinnerofthatpreviousmatch.Andnotonlythat,”hesaid,droppinghisvoiceandcausingthecrowdtohushandleanforward,“thesetwomonstersarebrothers.Theycamefromthesamewomb,andnowoneofthemwillbeheadingstraighttohell.”
Arockhitmeinthebackofthehead,andIwhirledaround.Vervainwaseverywhere,causingtheseaoffacestoblendtogetherinanightmarishcollageofeyes,noses,andopenmouths.
“Brother,I’msorryforanythingI’vedone.Please.Ifwedie,let’snotdieinanger.We’reallwehave,”Iwhispered,clenchingmyjawandtrying,onelasttime,toreachDamon.Damonlookedupforasplitsecondandjerkedhishead,buthisexpressionwasunreadable.Inthecenterofthering,Gallagherwasstillcommandingtheaudience’sattention.
“Thebookwillbeopenforanotherfiveminutesforfinalbets.But!—”Heraisedhishandintheair,attemptingtosilencethecrowd.Thenoiseinthetentdulled,ifonlyslightly.“Stayaftertheshow,whenwe’llbesellingtheloser’sblood.Evenadeadvampire’sbloodhashealingpowers.Curesallailments.Evenonesinthebedroom.”Gallagherwinkedshowily.Thecrowdcatcalledandcheered.Istiffened,wonderingwhetherthecrowdthoughtthiswasallanact:thatweweredown-on-our-luckactorsandthatthebloodGallaghersoldaftertheshowwouldbesometypeofcherrycordial.Didanyoneknowthatallthebloodwouldbereal,thatthefallenloserinthecenteroftheringwouldn’tbestandingupandheadinghomeoncethetentwasemptied?
Callieknew.Callieknew,andshehaddecidedthatthiswouldbemyfate.Iagainclenchedmyjaw,readytofight,readytogivetheaudiencetheshowitwaslookingfor.Suddenly,IfoundmyselfbeingledaroundtheringbyJasper,givingtheaudienceonefinalchancetoscrutinizemystrengthbeforeraisingtheirstakes.Icouldhearsnatchesofconversationfromallsidesofthetent:
Thatone’sgotaninchontheother.I’mswappingsides.
How’dyouroldladylikeoneofthoseforyouranniversary?
Iwonderhowthey’ddoagainstareallion.
AmandressedinclericalrobesstoodnexttoGallagher,raisinghisfrockedarmstoquietthecrowd.Irecognizedhimasthesnakecharmerfromthesideshow.
“Mayallgoodlightshineuponthisfightandreturntheloser’ssoultothecleansingfiresofhell!”heyelled,causingthetenttoeruptinacacophonyofnoise.Awhistleblew,andthefightwason.
Damoncircledtowardme,hisstancelowtotheground,likewhenwewerekidsandpracticedboxing.Iimitatedhisstance.
“Blood!”onedrunkenmanyelled,practicallyhangingovertherailingofthering.
“Blood!Blood!Blood!”Theentiretentseemedtobecheering.DamonandIcontinuedtocircleeachother.
“Let’snotdothis,”Isaid.“Let’srefuse.Whatcantheydo?”
“We’rebeyondthat,brother,”Damonsaid.“Thetwoofuscan’tsurviveinthesameworld.”
Angerseepedintomylimbsfromthecenterofmybeing.Whycouldn’twe?Andwhycouldn’tDamonforgiveme?InolongerthoughthewashauntedbythememoryofKatherine.Instead,Ibelievedhewashauntedbyme.NotwhoIwas,butwhohethoughtIwas—amonsterwhokilledwithoutfearorawarenessofconsequence.HowdarehenotevenrecognizethelengthsI’dgonetototrytomakehimhappy,totrytosavehim?Iswung,connectingwithDamon’scheek.Bloodspurtedunderhiseye,andthecrowdroared.
Damonwoundupandswungback,hittingmeonmyshoulderandknockingmedowntotheground.
“Whydidyoudothat?”Damonhissed,baringhisteethtothedelightofthecrowd.
“Becauseyouwantedit,”Ihissedback,baringmyownteeth,thenflippedhimoverintoaheadlock.
Hefreedhimselfquicklyandreturnedtohiscorner.Westoodatoppositesidesofthering,staringateachother,bothconfused,angry,alone.
“Fight!”thecrowdroaredagain.Gallagherglaredatus,unsurewhattodo.Hesnappedhisfingers,andJasperandBuckrantowarduswithstakes,determinedtoforceustofighteachother.Theyproddedusuntilourbodieswereonlyinchesapartandbothofourfistswereraised,whenahuge,echoing,boomingcrackthatsoundedliketheskysplittingintwoechoedfromabove.Acoldwindwhippedaroundus,causingacloudofsawdustanddebristoriseatourfeet.Ismelledsmoke.
“Fire!”apanickedvoiceyelled.
Ilookedaroundwildly.Partofthetentwasonfire,andpeoplewererunninginalldirections.
“Comeon!”
Ifelthandsshovingmyshoulders.Callie.Myeyesopenedwideinsurprise.“Go,go,go!”Callieyelled,pushingme.Sheheldanaxeinherhand,andslowlyIbeganpiecingtogetherwhathadhappened.Hadsheactuallycutdownthesupportsofthetentstructure,thensetthefire?
“Move!”Calliepushedmeonemoretime.Shewassurprisinglystrongforahuman,andafterafewsecondsofstupidlystandingandblinkinginplace,IgrabbedDamonbythewrist,andweran,pastthetents,awayfromtheriver,fasterandfaster,headingtowardmyhome.
Chapter29
DamonandIranatvampirespeedthroughthestreetsofNewOrleans.UnlikewhenwefirstarrivedandDamonlaggedreluctantlybehindme,weransidebyside,theadobeandbrickhousesblurringpastuslikemeltingwax.
Somethinghadshiftedbetweenusinthatarena,Ifeltitinmyverybeing.SomethinghadchangedinDamon’seyesashe’dregardedmeandrefusedtoattack,evenasthecrowdjeeredon.Iwonderedhowthematchwouldhaveendedhadthetentnotgoneupinflames—wouldwehavetakenthehumansonebyone,orwouldoneSalvatorebrotherhaveendedupdeadandbloodiedonthedustyfloor?
TheimageoftheMysticFallschurchblazinglikeanoversizetorchsprangtomymind.Thetownhadburneddownthechurchandthevampirestrappedwithinitthenightourfatherkilledus—andthevampireDamonhadloved.
ButDamonandIwerestillhere,likephoenixesrisingfromtheashesofthevampireswhocamebeforeus.Perhapsoutofthefireofthiscircusinournewhomecity,anewkinshipbetweenuswouldspringtolife—likethenewlifethataroseinprairiesafterthepreviousyear’scropshadbeenburnedtothelevelofthesoil.
DamonandIcontinuedtorun,ourfeetslappingagainstthecobblestonesinperfectunison,downthebackalleysandstreetsI’dlearnedsowellinmyfewweeksoflivinghere.ButasweroundedthecornerontoDauphine,thesamestreetwhereLexihadtakenmeshopping,Istoppedshort.Affixedtothewindowofthetailor’sshopwasacrudedrawingofmeandDamon,ourfangsbared,bothofuscrouchedlow.Thefightofthecentury,thepostersread.IwonderedifCalliehaddrawnthem.Probably.
Damonleanedinclose,examiningtheposter.“Thatdrawingmakesyoulookabitstocky,brother.Mightbetimetolayoffthebarmaids.”
“Ha,ha,”Isaiddryly,lookingaround.Shoutssoundedbehindus,inthedirectionofthecircus.Wehadagoodheadstart,butifCalliehaddistributedthesepostersaswidelyaswehadthepostersforDamon,thenwewouldn’tbesafeuntilwewereinside.
Thespindlyspireofachurchroseinthedistance—thechurchthatwaskitty-cornertoLexi’splace.
“Comeon!”IpushedDamoninthedirectionofthechurch,andwedidn’ttalkuntilwereachedthericketywhitehouse.
“Thisiswhereyoulive?”Damon’slipcurledashiseyesflickedupfromthesagging,whitewashedporchtothedarkwindows.
“Well,Iunderstandthatitmaynotmeasureuptoyourstandards,butweallmustmakesacrificeseverynowandagain,”IsaidsarcasticallyasIledhimtothebackdoor.
Thedoorswungopen,allowingatriangularsliceoflighttopouroutoverthedarkbackyard.
IputmyhandsupasLexiappearedinthedoorway.“Iknowyousaidnovisitors,but—”
“Comein.Quickly!”shesaid,lockingthedoorthesecondwecrossedthethreshold.Inthemainroom,candleswereburning,andBuxton,Hugo,andPercywereallperchedonthechairsandcouches,asiftheywereinthemiddleofameeting.
“YoumustbeDamon.”Lexinoddedtohimslightly.“Welcometoourhome.”IwasawareofDamonwatchingher,andwonderedwhathesaw.
“Yes,ma’am,”Damonsaidwithaneasygrin.“AndI’mafraidthatduringourtimeincaptivity,mybrothersomehowfailedtomentionyouandyour”—hiseyesflickedoverPercyandBuxton—“family.”
Percybristledandhalf-rosefromhisseat,butLexiputupahandtostophim.“I’mLexi.AndasStefanisyourbrother,myhomeisyourhome.”
“Weescaped,”Istartedtoexplain.
Lexinodded.“Iknow.Buxtonwasthere.”
“Youwere?”Iwhirledaroundinsurprise.“Wereyoubettingformeoragainstme?”Damonletoutalittlesnort.
Lexilaidahandonmyforearm.“Benice.Hewastheretohelpyou.”
Myeyeswidened.“Youweregoingtohelpme?”
Buxtonleanedbackinhischair.“Iwas.Butthensomeonehadthebrightideatoburndownthewholeplace,soIleft.”Hecrossedhisarmsoverhischest,lookingpleasedathimselfforbeingpartoftheaction.
“ItwasCallie.Shelitthefire,”Isaid.
Lexi’seyesregisteredsurprise.“Iwaswrong,”shesaidsimply.“It’sbeenknowntohappen.”
“Youmustforgivemypoormannersininterrupting,butdoyouhaveanythingtoeat?”Damonasked,notturningawayfromtheportraitofanoldwomanthathewasexamining.“I’vehadaratherdifficultfewweeks.”
Forthefirsttimesincewehadescaped,Ireallylookedatmybrother.Hisvoicewashoarse,asifhewasunusedtousingit.Bloodygashescoveredhisarmsandlegs;hisclotheswereintatteredrags;andhisshockofblackhairwasfilthyandlankagainsthispaleneck.Redrimmedhiseyes,andhishandstrembledslightly.
“Ofcourse.Youboysmustbestarving.”Lexitsked.“Buxton,takehimtothebutchershop.Lethimeathisfill.IdoubtthereareenoughhumansinNewOrleanstoquenchhisthirst.Andtonight,atleast,hedeservestoeatlikeaking.”
“Yes,ma’am,”Buxtonsaid,bowingslightlyasheraisedhisbulkfromthechair.
“I’lljoinhim,”Isaid,headingtowardthedoor.
“No.”Lexishookherheadandgrabbedmyarm—hard.“Ihaveteaforyou.”
“But…”Iprotested,confusedandannoyed.Icouldpracticallytastethepig’sbloodonmytongue.
“Nobuts,”Lexisaidsharply,soundingremarkablylikemymother.
BuxtonopenedthedoorforDamon,whowiggledhisbrowatmeasiftosay,“Poorboy!”
IfLexisaw,shepretendednottonotice,insteadbusyingherselfwiththeteakettlewhileIslumpedononeofthericketychairssetuparoundthetable,myheadrestingonmyhands.
“Whenyoubecomeavampire,it’snotjustyourteethanddietthatchange,”Lexisaidasshestokedthefireinthestove,herbacktowardme.
“Whatdoesthatmean?”Iaskeddefensively.
“Itmeansthatyouandyourbrotheraren’twhoyouusedtobe.You’vebothchanged,andyoumaynotknowDamonaswellasyouthink,”Lexisaid,carryingtwosteamingmugsinherhands.“Goat’sblood.”
“Idon’tlikegoat’sblood,”Isaid,pushingthemugawayangrily.Isoundedlikeapetulanttoddler,andIdidn’tcare.“AndnooneknowsDamonbetterthanIdo.”
“Oh,Stefan,”Lexisaid,lookingatmekindly.“Iknow.Butpromisemeyou’llbecareful.Thesearedangeroustimes—foreveryone.”
Attheworddangerous,somethingclickedinmymind.“Callie!Ihavetofindher!”
“No!”Lexipushedmebackdownonmychair.“Herfatherwillnotharmher,buthe’llkillyou,givenhalfthechance,andyou’reinnoshapeforafight.”
Iopenedmymouthtoprotest,butLexicutmeoff.
“Callieisfine.Youcanseehertomorrow.Butfornow,drinktheblood.Fallasleep.Whenyouawaken,youwillbehealed,andyou,Damon,andCalliewillfigureouteverythingthen.”
Lexileftthekitchenwithaswishofherapronsandextinguishedthelamp.
Suddenlyexhaustionfellovermelikeaheavyblanket,andthedesiretofightLexi’sadvicedrainedfrommybody.Withasigh,Iliftedthemugandtookasmallsip.Theliquidwaswarmandvelvety,andIcouldn’thelpbutadmitthatitwasgood.
Lexiwasright—IwouldseeCallietomorrowtosaygood-bye.ButIneededrest.Myentirebodyhurt,evenmyheart.
Atleastyouknowyouhaveone,IimaginedLexisaying,andIsmiledinthedarkness.
Chapter30
October19,1864
I’moutofdanger,butIdon’tfeelsafe.IwonderifI’lleverfeelsafeagain,orwillIforeverlongforadesirethatI’llneverfulfill?WillIgetusedtotheache?Twenty,twohundred,twothousandyearsfromnow,willIevenremembertheseweeks?AndwillIrememberCallieandherredhair,herlaugh?
Iwill.Ihaveto.Calliehassavedmeandgivenmeanotherchanceatlife.Inaway,it’slikeshewasthedaylightthatfollowedthedarknessKatherinehadcastuponmyexistence.Katherineturnedmeintoamonster,butCalliehaschangedmebackintotheStefanSalvatoreI’mproudtobe.
Iwishherlove.Iwantnothingbutthebestforher.Iwantforhertoliveinthelightandfindaman—ahuman—whowillappreciateandadoreher,whowilltakeherawayfromGallagher’shouseforevertoaquiethomeonalake,whereshecanteachherchildrentoskipstones.
Maybethat’showI’llliveinhermemory:Notasamonster,butsimplyassomeonewhosharedawarmsummermorningwithherandtaughtherthatskippingstoneswasassimpleasaflickofthewrist.Maybesomedaywe’llbothbethinkingofthatmemoryatthesametime.Maybeshe’lleventellherchildren,andherchildren’schildren,andtheywillallknowmeasthemanwhotaughthertoskipstones.Itisatinyhope,butitissomething.BecauseaslongasCallieremembersme,thensheandIaresomehowconnected.Andmaybe,intime,simplybeingconnectedbyasinglestrandofremembrancewillbeenough.
IwokeinthemiddleofthenighttowhatIthoughtwerehailstonesbouncingagainstthewindowpane.DespiteLexi’srules,Ipeekedthroughatinyslitinthecurtainsandsquintedintothedarkness.Thetreeswerebare,theirbrancheslikeghostlylimbsstretchingtowardthesky.Thoughitwasamoonlessnight,Icouldseearaccoonscamperthroughtheyard.Andthen,afigurestandingtimidlybehindoneofthecolumnsontheportico.
Callie.
Ihastilypulledonashirtandslippeddownthestairs,takingcaretonotmakeanynoise.ThelastthingIwantedwasforBuxtonorLexitoknowthatahumanhadfollowedmehome.
Thedoorshutwithathudbehindme,andIsawCalliejump.
“I’mhere,”Iwhispered,feelingthrilled,confused,andexcited,allatonce.
“Hi,”shesaidshyly.Shewaswearingabluedressandafurstole.Ahatwaspulledlowoverhercurls,andshehadalargecarpetbagoverhershoulder.Shenodded,shivering.IwishedmorethananythingthatIcouldbringherupstairssowecouldlieundermycoversandwarmup.
“Areyougoingsomewhere?”Iasked,noddingatherbag.
“Ihopeso.”Sheclaspedmyhandswithherown.“Stefan,Idon’tcarewhatyouare.I’venevercared.AndIwanttobewithyou.”Shelookedintomyeyes.“I…Iloveyou.”
Igazedattheground,alumpinmythroat.BackwhenIwasahuman,IthoughtI’dlovedKatherineuntilIsawher,chainedup,muzzled,andfoamingatthemouth.I’dfeltnothingbutdisgustatthatvision.AndyetCalliehadseenmeunconscious,bleedingfromvervain,stakedbycaptors,andpummelingmybrotherinthering,andshestilllovedme.Howwasthatpossible?
“Youdon’thavetorespond,”Callierushedon.“Ijusthadtotellyou.AndI’mleavingnomatterwhat.Ican’tstayherewithFather,notaftereverythingthat’shappened.I’mgettingonthetrain,andyoucancomewithme.Butyoudon’thaveto.ButIwantyouto,”shebabbled.
“Callie!”Iinterrupted,placingafingertoherlips.Hereyeswidened,shiftingbetweenfearandhope.
“Iwouldgowithyouanywhere,”Isaid.“Iloveyou,too,andIwillfortherestofmylife.”
Callie’sfacebrokeintoarelaxed,joyfulexpression.“Youmeanyourun-life,”shesaid,hereyesdancing.
“HowdidyouknowwhereIlived?”Iasked,suddenlyshy.
Callieblushed.“Ifollowedyouhomeonce.Whenyouranawayafterthefirstvampirefight.Iwantedtoknoweverythingaboutyou.”
“Well,nowyoudo.”
Unabletorestrainmyself,Ipulledherintomyarmsandloweredmylipstohers,nolongerafraidtohearthebloodcoursinginherveinsortohearherheartbeatfasterinanticipation.Shetightenedhergriparoundme,andourlipstouched.Ihungrilykissedher,feelingthesoftnessofherlipsagainstmine.Myfangsdidn’tgrow,mydesirewasallforher,inherhumanform,asshewas.
Shewassoftandwarmandtastedliketangerines.Inthosemoments,Iimaginedourfuture.We’dtakethetrainasfarawayfromNewOrleansaspossible,maybetoCalifornia,orperhapsevensailtoEurope.We’dnestinalittlecottageandkeeplivestockformetofeedfrom,andCallieandIwouldliveoutourdaystogether,awayfromthepryingeyesofsociety.
Anaggingthoughttuggedatthecornerofmymind:WouldIturnher?Ihatedthethoughtofdoingit,ofsinkingmyteethintoherwhiteneck,ofmakingherlivealifeinwhichshecravedbloodandfearedthedaylight,butIalsocouldn’tbearthethoughtofseeinghergrowoldanddieinfrontofme.Ishookmyhead,tryingtoreleasethosethoughts.Icoulddealwiththemlater.Webothcould.
“Stefan,”Calliemurmured,butthenthemurmurturnedintoagasp,andsheslippedoutofmyclutchesandontotheground.Abutcher’sknifestuckintoherback,bloodpoolingoutofit.
“Callie!”Icried,sinkingtomyknees.“Callie!”
Frantic,Itoreaveininmywrist,tryingtofeedCalliemybloodtohealher.ButbeforeIcouldpressmyarmtohergaspingmouth,anunseenhandyankedmeupbytheshirtcollar.
Alow,familiarchucklecutthroughthenightair.“Notsofast,brother.”
Chapter31
Iwhirledaround,myhandreadytostrike,myfangsbared.BeforeIcouldmove,Damongrabbedmyshouldersandflungmeacrossthestreet.Mybodyhittheroad,hard,myarmsnappingatanunnaturalangle.Iscrambledtomyfeet.Calliewaslyinginthegrass,herredhairfanningoverhershoulder,apoolofblooddarkeningaroundher.Sheletoutaquietmoan,andIknewshemustbeinagony.
Istartedtoracebacktoher,pumpingmybloodtomyopenwoundsoshecouldfeedeasily.ButDamoninterceptedme,loweringhisshoulderintomychestandknockingmebackward.
Iscrambledtomyfeet.“Thisstopsnow!”Iyelled,readytopounce.Iflewtowardhim,readytoriphimapart,togivehimwhathe’dwantedforsolong.
“Doesitstopnow?Beforedinner?”Damonasked,aslowsmileformingonhisface.IwatchedinhorrorasDamonkneltdown,baredhisteeth,andsunkthemintoCallie’sneck,drinkinglongandhard.Itriedtopushhimaway,buthewasfartoostrong.Howmanypeoplehadhefedfromsinceourescape?
Ikepttugging,tryingtofreeCallie,butDamonstayedinthesamepositionasifhewereamarblesculpture.
“Help!Lexi!”Iroared,asDamonsentmeflyingbackwardwithaswiftjabofhiselbow.
Ihitthegrasswithathud.Damonkeptdrinking.IrealizedwithhorrorthatCallie’smoaninghadstopped.Sohadthesteady,thrummingsoundofbloodI’dgottensousedtohearinginCallie’spresence.Ifelltomyknees.
Damonturnedtowardme,hisfacesmearedwithblood.Callie’sblood.Iblanchedatthesight.Damonchuckled.“Youwereright,brother.Killingiswhatvampiresdo.Thanksforthelesson.”
“I’llkillyou,”Isaid,rushingtowardhimoncemore.Iknockedhimtotheground,butDamontookadvantageofmyinjuredarmandflippedmeover,pinningmetothegroundnexttoCallie.
Damonshookhishead.“Idon’tthinkIwilldietonight,thankyou.You’redonebeingtheonetomakethelife-and-deathdecisions,”hehissed.
Hestoodup,asifheweregoingtowalkaway.IcrawledovertoCallie.Hereyeswerewideopenandglassy,herfacepale.Herchestwasstillrisingandfalling,butbarely.
Pleaselive,Ithought,gazingintoherunblinkingeyesinadesperateattempttocompelher.Isawhereyelidsflutter.Coulditbepossiblethatitwasworking?
Iwantyoutolive.Iwanttoloveyouwhileyou’realive,Ithought,squeezingbloodfrommywoundsintoheropenmouth.
Then,asdropsfellonherface,Ifeltanagonizingpaininmyabdomen.IsprawledonthegrassasDamonkickedmeoverandoverandoverinthestomach,ademoniclookinhiseye.
Summoningallmystrength,Iscuttledonthedew-dampearthawayfromDamon.
“Helpme,”Icalledagaintowardthehouse.
“Helpme!”Damonmockedinasing-songvoice.“Notquitethebigman,anymore,arewe,littlebrother?Whathappenedtotakingovertheworld?Gottoobusyhavingteapartieswithyourlittlefriendsandfallinginlovewithhumans?”Heshookhisheadindisgust.
Somethinginsidemesnapped.Somehow,IpushedmyselftomyfeetandracedtowardDamon,fangsbared.Ipushedhimtotheground,myfangscarvingalong,jaggedcutalonghisjugularvein.Hefelltotheground,blooddrainingfromhisneck,hiseyesclosing.
Foramoment,helookedlikemybrotheragain.Nobloodshoteyes,novoicelacedwithhatred.JustthebroadshouldersanddarkhairthatalwayssymbolizedDamon.Andyethewasn’tDamonanymore.Hewasamonsteronaspreeofdestruction,stoppingatnothingtomakehisthreatofmakingmylifemiserablecometrue.
Isurveyedthegroundaroundus,finallyglimpsingasmalltreelimb,afewfeetaway,fallenafterastorm.Icrawledovertothebranchandraisedithighabovehischest.
“Gotohell,”Iwhispered,ferventlymeaningeachword.
Butasthewordsleftmymouth,Damonlungedupfromtheground,hiseyesredandhisfangsbared.“That’snowaytotalktofamily.”Hescoffed,throwingmetotheground.“Andthat’snowaytoholdastake.”
Heraisedthebranchhighovermychest,agleaminhiseye.
“Here’sthedeathyoudidn’tletmehave.Slow,andpainful,andI’mgoingtoenjoyeverysecondofit,”Damonsaid,cacklingashebroughtthestakedownwithallhismightagainstmychest.
Andtheneverythingwentblack.
Chapter32
Stefan,”adisembodiedvoicewhispered.
IwasinthelabyrinthbackatVeritas,thelushgreenhedgesrisinghigherthanmyhead,thesunbeatingdownuponmyshoulders.Mycollarwasitchyandconstrictive—forsomereasonIwasinmySundaybest.
FromaroundthebendDamonapproached,hisblueeyeswideandinnocent.“Wanttorace,brother?”hechallenged.
OfcourseIaccepted.
Weranuntilwegaspedforbreath,ourlungsspentfromexertionandlaughter.Damonsmiledatmehappily,untilacloudshiftedandeverythingwentdark.Tomyhorror,hisfeaturesmorphedandchanged.Hiseyesdarkened,andhislipsbecameasredasblood.ThenextthingIknew,hewasuponme,tacklingmetotheground,butnotinplay.Hereachedforsomethinginhispocket,andthenhestruckmeinthechest,andIlaythereonthesoftgrass,gaspingmylastbreath.
Suddenly,weweresittingontheporchswing,withKatherinewedgedbetweenus,mischiefinherdarkeyes,asshepluckedpetalsfromadaisy.HerlegwassocloseIfeltitgrazingmine.Ashergazeshiftedbackandforth,Irealizedthegameshewasplaying:Theflowerwoulddeterminewhichoneofusshewouldchoose.Whenshereachedthefinalpetal,hereyeslockedontomine,andIknewthatIwasthevictor.Sheleanedintokissme,andIclosedmyeyes,anticipatingthesofttouchofherlips.
ButinsteadIfeltastakeplungeintomyheart.Myeyesflutteredopen,andtherestoodmybrother,laughingashedugthewoodyetdeeperintome,theflowerpetalscrushedbeneathmyproneform.
Myheadlolledtotheside,andmyeyessnaggedonthegirlwhowasbleedingtodeathnexttomeonthegrass.Herhairwasfire-red,andherskinwasmoon-palebeneathherfreckles.
Callie!Itriedtoshout.ButDamonsnatchedupmywordsinhisfistbeforesinkingaknifeoverandoverintoCallie’sback.
“Stefan!”avoicecalledagain,louderthistime.Irecognizedtheliltingalto.Lexi.
“Nooo…”Imoaned.Icouldn’tallowDamontokillher,too.“Goaway!”
“Stefan…”Shecamecloserstill,kneelingdownbesideme,holdingagoblettomylips.
“No,”Isaidagain.
Sheshookmyshouldersviolently.Myeyespoppedopen.Thewallsaroundmewerepaintedwithcrackedredpaint,andIsawagilt-edgedportraitontheoppositewall.Isatup,touchingmyfacewithmyhands,thenglancingdown.Iwasstillwearingmyring.Itouchedthestone.Itfeltveryreal.
“Lexi?”Iaskedthickly.
“Yes!”Shesmiled,clearlyrelieved.“You’reawake.”
Iglanceddownatmybody.Myarmstillthrobbed,andtherewasdriedbloodunderneathmyfingernails.“AmIalive?”
Shenodded.“Justbarely.”
“Damon?”
“Wedidn’tgethim,”Lexisaiddarkly.“Heranoff.”
“Callie?”Iasked.Ididn’twanttohear,butIneededtoknow.
Lexilookeddownatherfingernailsforalongmoment,thenliftedherambereyestomine.“I’msorry,Stefan.Wetried…EvenBuxtontriedtosaveher…”
“Butshewastoofargone,”Ifinishedforher.Myheadthrobbed.“Whereisshenow?”
Lexipushedmymattedhairoffmytemple.Herfingerswerecoolagainstmyburningskin.“Intheriver.Thewholecity’slookingforher…”Lexi’svoicetrailedoff,butIunderstoodeverythingthatshewasn’tsaying.
TheentirefreakshowknewofmyfriendshipwithCallie.Soifpeoplewerelooking,mypresencewasadangertoLexiandherfamily.
Butevenifmydayshereweren’tnumbered,Iwouldn’tbeabletostay.NewOrleanscontainedtoomuchhurtandtoomanymemories,onesthatIhadn’tevenbeguntoprocess.
Ifloppedbackagainstmypillows.
“Beforeyourest,youneedtodrink,”Leximurmured,helpingmesitupagain.“It’syourfavorite,goat’sblood,”shesaidwithasadsmile.
Iputmylipstothegoblet.Thebrackishliquidtastednothinglikesweet,full-bodiedhumanblood,butitwaswarm.Anditcontainedsomethinghumanbloodneverwould:adullsparkofredemption.ThemoreofthisIdrank,thelesshumanbloodwouldrunthroughme.
Iwasn’tna?ve,though.Guiltwouldalwaysflowthroughmyveins.I’dkilledtoomanyinmyshorttimeasavampire,destroyedtoomanylives.WhetherornotIdrankfromher,Callie’sdeathwasonmyhandsaswell.Ishouldhaveturnedmybackonher,toldherIneverwantedtoseeher.ButI’dbeenweak.
“Goodboy,”LeximurmuredasIfinisheddrinkingfromthecup.
Ididn’tfeelgood.Ifeltsickandscaredandunsureofwhattodo.Damonwasstilloutintheworld,somewhere,andCallie’sbloodwasrunningthroughhisveins.Mystomachtightened.
“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”Iadmitted,searchingLexi’seyesforanswers.ButLexiwassilent.
“Idon’tknowwhattotellyou,”shesaidfinally.“ButIdoknowyou’reagoodman.”
Isighed,readytopointoutthatIwasn’tamanatall,Iwasamonster.ButLexistoodupandgatheredthemugsfromthenighttable.
“Nomoretalking.Rest,”shesaid,pressingherlipstomyforehead.“Andtry,mydearStefan,nottodream.”
Chapter33
WhenIwokeup,Icouldtellfromthelightstreamingthroughthecrackinthecurtainsthatitwasdaylight.IswungmyfeetontothehardwoodfloorandgrabbedtheneatpileofclothesfromtheshoppingtripwithLexi.Itseemedlikealifetimeago.
Iputonanewshirt,slickedmyhairback,andputtherestoftheclothesinamakeshiftcarryingcaseformedfrommytatteredshirtfromMysticFalls—theonlyitemIstillhadfrommyoldlife.
Iglancedaroundtheroom,myeyestakinginthefamiliarlayersofdustinthecorners.IwonderedhowmanyvampireshadpassedthroughthishouseandwhetherLexiwouldfindanotheryoungvampiretotakeunderherwing.Ihoped,forhissakeaswellashers,thathe’dhaveabettertimeinthiscityofsinthanIhadhad.
Lexiwassittinginthelivingroom.Inherhandswastheportraitofherbrother.AssoonasIsteppedin,sheglancedup.
“Stefan,”shesaid.
“I’msorry,”Icutin.AndIwas,forallofit.ForcomingtoNewOrleans.Fordisruptingherlife.Forbringingdangertothetinyspotofsecuritythevampireshadmanagedtocarveout.
“I’mnot.Itwasaprivilegetohaveyou.”Hergazeturnedserious.“I’msorryaboutCallie—andaboutyourbrother.”
“He’snotmybrotheranymore,”Isaidquickly.
Lexisetdowntheportraitonthecoffeetable.“Perhapsnotanymore.Butasyousaidyourself,hewasforyourwholehumanlife.Canyourememberthatandforgettherest?”
Ishrugged.Ididn’twanttorememberDamon.Notnow,notever.
Lexicrossedtheroomandputherhandonmyarm.“Stefan,missinghumansandyourhumanlifehurts.Butitdoesgeteasier.”
“When?”Iasked,myvoicecrackingslightly.
Sheglancedbackattheportraitonthetable.“I’mnotsure.Ithappensgradually.”Shepaused,thenlaughed,thesoundsoinnocentandlightheartedthatIwantedtositdownandstayatthehouseforever.“Letmeguess.Youwantittohappennow.”
Ismiled.“Youknowmewell.”
Lexifrowned.“Youneedtolearntoslowdown,Stefan.Youhaveaneternityaheadofyou.”
Asilencefellbetweenus,thewordeternityclanginginmyears.
Withajerk,IpulledLexiintoahug,inhaledthecomfortingaromaofourfriendship,thenspedoutofthehousewithoutaglanceback.
Onceoutside,Ichastisedmyselfformysentimentality.Ihadmuchtoatonefor,andfeelingsorryformyselfwasself-indulgent.IpausedatthespotonthestreetwhereCalliehaddied.Therewasnobloodstain,nothingtomarkthefactthatshe’devenexisted.Ikneltdown,glancingovermyshoulderbeforeIkissedthepavement.
ThenIstoodupandbegantorun,fasterandfaster.Itwasdawn,andthecitywasjustwakingup.Messengerboyszippedbyondeliverybikes,andUnionsoldiersmarchedthroughthestreets,theirriflesnestledintheirarmslikeinfants.Vendorswerealreadysettinguponthesidewalk,andtheairsmelledlikesugarandsmoke.
And,ofcourse,likethetangyscentofbloodandiron.
Iquicklyreachedthetrainstation,wheretheplatformwasalreadybustling.Meninmorningcoatssatonwornwoodenbenchesinthewaitingarea,readingnewspapers,whilewomennervouslyclutchedtheirpurses.Theentirestationhadanairoffestivetransience.Itwastheperfecthuntingground.AndbeforeIcouldhelpit,myfangsprotrudedfrommygums.
Bowingmyfaceintomyhands,Icountedtoten,fightingthehungerthatracedthroughmeandwaitingformyteethtoclickbackintotheirhumanform.
Finally,Ijoinedawaveofpeoplewhowereheadedtotheplatformandtookaspotatthefarend.Nexttome,twoloverswereentwinedinanembrace.Asoldierranhishandthroughthewoman’sstrawberry-blondhair,andthewoman,balancingonhertiptoes,heldontohisshouldersasifsheneverwantedtoletgo.
Iwatchedthemforalongmoment,wonderingifinadifferentlifeCallieandIcouldhaveplayedoutthatsamescene.IfshewouldhavekissedmeasIwentofftobattle,thenwaitedeagerlyontheplatformformyreturnhome.
Thewhistleblew,andthetrainroaredintothestation,kickingupacloudofdustandbreakingmeoutofmyreverie.
Ifollowedthesoldieronboard,wonderingifheandhisloverwouldexperienceahappyending.Itooksolaceinknowing,atleast,thatshouldtheynot,itwouldnotbebecauseofme.
Ienteredthecoachcompartment.
“Ticket,sir?”aconductorasked,holdingouthishand.
Ilockedeyeswithhim,mystomachturningwithdisgustathavingtorelyonmyPower.
Letmepass.“Ishowedittoyou,”Isaidaloud.“Youmusthaveforgotten.”
Theconductornodded,steppingasidetoallowmeon.Thetrainlurchedoutofthestation,takingmetoanewlife.OnewhereIwouldnevercompelunlessIhadto,andonewhereI’dneveragaintastehumanblood.
Epilogue
OnceIstoppeddrinkinghumanblood,Ibecameevenbetterathearingaheartbeat,knowinginaninstant,fromthespeedofapulse,whetherahumanwassadorannoyedorinlove.NotthatIwasaroundhumansverymuch.AfterIleftNewOrleans,Itrulywasacreatureofthenight,sleepingduringthedayandventuringintotheoutsideworldonlywhenhumansweresafeintheirbeds,fastasleep.ButoccasionallyI’dhearaquickeningheartbeatandknowthatsomeonewasclimbingfromawindoworsneakingoutadoortomeetalover,stealingafewmomentsofintimacy.
Thatwasthehardestsoundtohear.WheneverIdidhearit,IwasremindedofCallie,ofherflutteringheartandquicksmile.Ofhowaliveshewas,andhowshewasnotafraidtobeinlovewithmedespitemytruenature.Now,whenIthinkofourplantoescape,Ican’thelpbutlaughbitterlyatmyselfforeverthinkingitcouldhavebeenapossibility.IthadbeenthesamefoolishmistakeI’dmadewhenI’dfalleninlovewithKatherine,believingthathumansandvampirescouldloveeachother,thatourdifferenceswerejustaminordetailthatcouldbeeasilysolved.ButIwouldn’tfallintothattrapathirdtime.Whenevervampiresandhumansdaredtoloveeachother,deathanddestructionweresuretofollow.AndIhadenoughbloodonmyhandstolastaneternity.
IwouldneverknowtheextentoftheharmDamonwascausingintheworld.SometimesI’dseeanewspaperarticleorhearsnatchesofconversationaboutamysteriousdeath,andmymindwouldinstantlyjumptomybrother.I’dlistenforhim,too,alwayswaitingtohearhimcall“Brother”inhisexaggerateddrawl.
ButmostlyIlistenedtomyself.ThelongerIsubsistedonanimalblood,killingtheoddsquirrelorfoxinaforest,themoremyPowerebbed,untilitwassimplyafadedthruminthebackgroundofmybeing.WithoutPower,Ilosttheelectricsenseoffeelingalive,buttheguiltIwouldcarryfortherestofmyexistencehaddulledaroundtheedges.Itwasatrade-off,oneofmanyI’dlearnedtomake,andoneofmanymoreI’dhavetomakeintheeternitythatstretchedinfrontofme.
SoImadethevowtoalwayskeepmoving,toneverstayinoneplacetoolongorgrowtooclosetoanyone.ThatistheonlywayI’lldonoharm.BecauseGodhelpusallifIeverfallinlovewithanotherhuman…
BooksbyL.J.Smith
TheVampireDiaries:VolI:TheAwakening
TheVampireDiaries:VolII:TheStruggle
TheVampireDiaries:VolIII:TheFury
TheVampireDiaries:VolIV:DarkReunion
TheVampireDiariesTheReturnVol.1:nightfall
TheVampireDiariesTheReturnVol.2:shadowsouls
TheVampireDiariesTheReturnVol.3:Midnight
TheVampireDiariesStefan’sDiariesVol.1:Origins
TheSecretCircleTheInitiationandTheCaptivePartI
TheSecretCircleTheCaptivePartIIandThePower
WANTMOREOFSTEFAN’SDIARIES?
KEEPREADINGFORASNEAKPEEKATTHECRAVING,COMINGMAY2011.
Perface
Everythinghaschanged.Mybody,mydesires,myneeds,myappetite.
Mysoul.
Inseventeenshortyears,I’vebornewitnesstomoretragedythananyoneshould—andbeenthecauseoffartoomuchofit.WithmeIcarrythememoryofmydeath,andthatofmybrother.ThesoundofourlastbreathsinthemossywoodsofMysticFalls,Virginia,hauntsme.Iseemyfather’slifelessbodyonthefloorofhisstudyinourmagnificentVeritasEstate.Istillsmellthecharredchurchwherethetown’svampiresburned.AndIcanalmosttastethebloodItookandthelivesIstoleoutofsheerhungerandindifferenceaftermytransformation.MostclearlyIseethecuriousdreamerofaboyIoncewas,andifmyheartcouldbeat,itwouldbreakforthevilecreatureI’vebecome.
Butthoughtheverymoleculesofmybeinghavemorphedbeyondrecognition,theworldcontinuestoturn.Childrengrowolder,theirplumpfacesthinningwiththepassageoftime.Youngloversexchangesecretsmilesastheychatabouttheweather.Parentssleepwhilethemoonkeepswatch,wakewhenthesun’sraysnudgethemoutofslumber,eat,labor,love.Andalways,theirheartspumpwithrhythmicthuds,steady,loud,hypnotic,thebloodasalluringtomeasasnakecharmer’stuneistoacobra.
Ioncescoffedatthetediousnessofhumanlife,believingthePowerIhadmadememore.Throughherexample,mymaker,Katherine,taughtmethatsincetimeholdsnoswayovervampires,Icouldbecomedivorcedfromit,livingfrommomenttomoment,movingfromonecarnalpleasuretothenextwithnofearofconsequences.
ButnowthestrengthIhaveisaburden,theconstantthirstforbloodacurse,thepromiseofimmortalityaterriblecrosstobear.
BeforeIleftNewOrleans,Ibattledthemonstermybrother,Damon,hadbecome—amonsterIhadahandincreating.Now,asIremakemyselfupNorth,farfromanyonewho’severknownmeaseitherahumanoravampire,theonlydemonIhavetobattleismyownhunger.
Chapter1
Ipickedoutaheartbeat,asinglelife,intheneardistance.
Theothernoisesofthecityfadedintothebackgroundasthisonecalledtome.Shehadwanderedfromherfriendsandleftthewell-wornpaths.
ThesunhadsetoverCentralPark,whereI’dexiledmyselfsincearrivinginNewYorksevenlongdaysago.Thecolorsinthisexpanseofwildernessweresoftening,slidingtowardeachother,shadowsblurringwiththethingsthatmadethem.Theorangesanddeepbluesoftheskymorphedintoaninkyblack,whilethemuddygrounddimmedtoavelvetysienna.
Aroundme,mostoftheworldwasstill,pausedinthebreaththatcomesattheendofthedaywhenthewatcheschange:Humansandtheirdaylightcompanionslocktheirdoorsandthecreaturesofthenightlikemyselfcomeouttohunt.
TheheartbeatIpursuednowbegantorecede,itsownermovingaway.Desperate,Itookoff,forcingmybodytomovequickly,myfeettopushofffromtheground.Iwasweakfromlackoffeedingandneededeverysparebitofenergyforthehunt.Icrashedthroughbushesandtrees,mychasegrowingfarlouderthanIintended.Myhuntingskillshadweakenedalongwithmystrength.
ThebeareroftheheartIfollowedheardandknewherdeathwasclosebehindher.Nowshewasentirelyalone,cutofffromhercrowd,andawareofherplight.Shebegantoruninearnest.
WhataspectacleImusthavemade:darkhairaskew,skinaspaleasacorpse’s,eyesstartingtoreddenasthevampireinmecameout.Runningandleapingthroughthewoodslikeawildman,stilldressedinthefineryLexi,myfriendinNewOrleans,hadgivenme,thewhitesilkshirtnowtornatthesleeves.
Shepickedupspeed.ButIwasn’tgoingtoloseher.
MyneedforbloodbecameanachesostrongthatIcouldcontainmyselfnolonger.AsweetpainbloomedalongmyjawandIfeltmyfangscomeout.ThebloodinmyfacegrewhotasIunderwentthechange.MysensesexpandedasmyPowertookover,sappingmylastbitofvampiricstrength.
Ileaped,movingataspeedbeyondhumanandanimal.FromrocktolowbranchIracedtowardmyprey,closingthedistancebetweenusinmereseconds.Withthatinstinctalllivingcreatureshave,thepoorthingfeltdeathclosinginandbegantopanic,scramblingforsafetyunderthetrees.Herheartpoundedoutofcontrol:thump-thumpthump-thumpthump-thump
ThetinypartofmethatwasstillhumanmighthavefeltbadforwhatIwasabouttodo,butthevampireinmeneededtheblood.
Withafinaljump,Icaughtmyprey—alarge,greedysquirrelwho’dleftherpacktoscavengeforextrafood.TimesloweddowntoastandstillasIdescended,rippedherneckaside,andsankmyteethintoherflesh,drainingherlifeintome.
I’deatensquirrelsasahuman,whichlessenedmyguiltmarginally.BackhomeinMysticFalls,mybrotherandIusedtohuntinthetangledwoodsthatsurroundedourestate.Thoughsquirrelswerepooreatingformostoftheyear,theywerefatandtastedlikenutsinthefall.Squirrelblood,however,wasnosuchfeast;itwasrankandsearedmytongue.Still,Iforcedmyselftokeepdrinking.
Itwasnourishment,nothingmore—andbarelythat.Itwasatease,areminderofthefresh,thicksweetliquidthatrunsinahuman’sveins.
IthadonlybeenonemonthsinceavampirenamedKatherinehadtransformedmeintoacreaturelikeher,butI’dcrowdedthattimewithtoomuchhorrorandtragedy.HeadywithmynewPower,thelimitlessstrengthandspeedofavampire,Itorethroughhumansasiftheirlivesweremeaningless.Everywarmdropmademefeelalive,strong,fearlessandpowerful.
Evenconcentrating,tryingtosendmyselfbackmentallytoseethefacesofeachofmyvictims,allofthosepeopleIkilled,Icouldn’t.Exceptforone:
Callie.
Herflame-redhair,hercleargreeneyes,thesoftnessofhercheeks,thewayshestoodwithherhandsonherhips…everydetailofherstoodoutinmymemorywithapainfulclarity.
IthadbeenDamon,mybrotherandformerbestfriend,whohaddealtCallieherfinalblow,butherdeathweighedheavilyonmyconscience.Calliehadmademefeelhumanagain.Shemademerememberwhatitwastohaveanormallife,andwhatitmeanttovaluethatlife.Andshehaddiedbecauseofme,becauseDamonhatedmeforturninghimintoavampire.Ihadtakenhislife,sohetookfrommetheonlythinghecould:mynewlove.
Fromthatmomenton,Isworeoffhumansforever.Iwouldneverkillanotherhuman,neverfeedfromanotherhuman,andneverloveanotherhuman.Icouldonlybringthempainanddeath,evenifIdidn’tmeanto.That’swhatlifeasavampiremeant.That’swhatlifewithDamonasmybrothermeant.
Anowlhootedintheelmthattoweredovermyhead.Achipmunkskitteredpastmyfeet.Abranchbrokesomewherenearby.Myshouldersslumped.Ihadtakenmyfillthiseveningandendedoneinnocentlife.Nowitwastimeformetomoveon.
Ilaidthepoorsquirreldownontheground.Solittlebloodremainedinitsbodythatthewounddidn’tleak,theanimal’slegsalreadygrowingstiffwithrigormortis.ThenIwipedthetracesofbloodandfurfrommyfaceandheadeddeeperintothepark,alonewithmythoughts,whileacityofnearlyamillionpeoplebuzzedaroundme.
SinceI’dsnuckoffthetrainatGrandCentralDepotaweekearlier,I’dbeensleepinginthemiddleoftheparkinwhatwasessentiallyacave.I’dtakentomarkingaconcreteslabwiththepassingofeachday.Otherwisemomentsblendedtogether,meaningless,empty,andnever,everending.Nexttothecavewasafenced-inareawhereconstructionmenhadgatheredthe“useful”remainsofavillagetheyhadrazedtomakeCentralPark,aswellasthearchitecturalbric-a-bractheyintendedtoinstall:carvedfountains,baselessstatues,lintels,thresholds,andevengravestones.
JustasIpushedpastabarrenbranch—November’schillhadrobbednearlyeverytreeofitsleaves—theteasing,cloyingscentofrustandirondriftedpastmynose.
InstantlyIbecamethehunteragain:balancedonmytoes,fingersflexing,readytoclaw.Allmysensesbecameevenmorearoused:eyeswidenedtocaptureeveryshadow,nostrilsflaredtogatherinthesmells.Evenmyskinprickled,readytodetecttheslightestchangeinairmovement,inheat,intheminutepulsesthatindicatedlife
Thereitwasagain.Apainful,metallictang.Thesmellofblood.Humanblood.
Isteppedintotheclearing,mybreathcomingrapidly.Thethickstenchofbloodwaseverywhere,fillingthehollowwithanalmostpalpablefog.Iscannedthearea.TherewasthecavewhereIspentmytorturednights,tossingandturningandwaitingfordawn.Therewasthespider’sjumbleofbeamsanddoorsstolenfromknocked-downhousesanddesecratedgraves.Thereweretheglowingwhitestatuesandfountainstobeinstalledaroundthepark.
Andthere,thrownatthebaseofastatueofaregalprince,wasthebodyofayoungwoman,herwhiteballgownslowlyturningabloodyred.
Chapter2
Myeyesnarrowed,andIfelttheveinsinmyfacecracklewithPower.Myfangscameoutquicklyandviolently,painfullyrippingthroughmygums.
Thegirlwassmall,butnotsicklyordainty.Shelookedtobeaboutsixteen.Herfleshwasfirmandherbosom,barelymovingasshegrewweaker,wasfull.Herhairwasdark,withcurlshighlightedingoldbythelightoftherisingmoon.Shehadbeenwearingsilkflowersandribbonsinherhair,butthese,alongwithhertresses,hadcomeundone,andtrailedoutbehindherheadlikeseafoam.
Herdresshadadarkredslipunderneathwithfrothywhitecottontullethatfloatedontop.Whereherpetticoatsweretorn,slashesofscarletsilkshowedthrough,matchingthebloodthatwasseepingoutofherchestanddownherbodice.Oneofherdoeskingloveswaswhite,theothernearlyblackwithsoakedblood,asifshehadtriedtostanchherwoundbeforeshe’dpassedout.
Thick,curlylashesflutteredashereyesrolledbeneaththeirlids.Thiswasagirlwhoclungtolife,whowasfightingashardasshecouldtostayawakeandsurvivetheviolencethathadbefallenher.
Myears,finertunedthanthebesthound’s,couldeasilymakeoutherheartbeat.Despitethegirl’sstrengthandwill,itwasslowing.Icouldcountsecondsbetweeneachbeat.
Thud…
Thud…
Thud…
Thud…
Therestoftheworldwassilentasagrave:justme,andthemoon,andtheracketoflifethisdyinggirlmade.Hercheststoppedrising.Shewouldmostlikelybedeadinmeremoments,andnotbymyhands.
Ihaddonemybest.Ihadhunteddownasquirrel—asquirrel—tosatemyappetite.IwasdoingeverythingIcouldtoresistthelureofthedarkside,thehungerthathadbeenslowlydestroyingmefromwithin.IhadrefrainedfromusingmyPower.
Butthesmell…
Spicy,rusty,sweet.Itmademyheadspinandcausedtheworldtocometogetherinaflashofredandpink.
Itwasn’tmyfaultshehadbeenattacked.Itwasn’tIwhohadcausedthepoolofbloodtoformaroundherpronebody.Justonelittlesipcouldn’thurt…Icouldn’thurtheranymorethanshealreadywas…
Ishivered,adeliciouspainflutteringupmyspineanddownmybody.Mymusclesflexedandrelaxedoftheirownaccord.Thereitwas,thelusciousliquidoflife.Itookastepcloser,soclosethatIcouldreachoutandtouchtheredsubstance.
Humanbloodwoulddofarmorethansustainme.Itwouldfillmewithwarmth,withPower,withpurpose.Nothingtastedlikehumanblood,andnothingfeltlikeit.JustamouthfulandIwouldbebacktomyoldNewOrleansself:invincible,lightning-fast,strong…powerful.I’dbeabletocompelhumanstodomybidding.I’dbeabletodrinkawaymyguiltandembracemydarkness.I’dbearealvampireagain.
Inthatmoment,Iforgoteverything:whyIwasinNewYork,whathappenedinNewOrleans,whyIleftMysticFalls.Callie,Katherine,Damon…allwerelost,andIwasdrawnwordlessly,mindlessly,tothesource.
Ikneltdowninthegrass.Myparchedlipsdrewbackfrommymouth,fangsfullyexposed.
Onelick.Onedrop.Onetaste.Ineededitsobadly.Andtechnically,Iwouldn’tbekillingher.Technically,shewoulddiebecauseofsomeoneelse.
Herheartslowedevenmore.Narrowstreamsofbloodebbedandfloweddownherchest,pulsingwithherheart.Ileanedover,mytonguereachingforward…Oneofhereyesflutteredopenweakly,herthicklashespartingtorevealcleargreeneyes,eyesthecolorofcloverandgrass.
ThesamecoloreyesCalliehad.
Inmylastmemoryofher,Calliewaslyingontheground,dying,inthesamehelplesspose.Calliealsodiedofaknifewound—butinherback.Damondidn’tevenhavethedecencytoletherdefendherself.Hestabbedherwhileshewasdistracted,tellingmehowmuchshelovedme.Andthen,beforeIcouldfeedhermyownbloodandsaveher,Damonthrewmeasideanddrainedhercompletely.Heleftheradry,deadhuskandthentriedtokillme,too.HaditnotbeenforLexi,hewouldhavesucceeded.
Withascreamofagony,Ipulledmyhandsbackfromthegirlandpoundedtheground.Iforcedthebloodlustthatwasinmyeyesandcheeksbackdowntothedarkplacefromwhichtheycame.IresistedthePower,thenight,andmyhunger.
Itookamomentlongertocomposemyself,thenpulledthegirl’sbodiceasidetoviewherwound.Shehadbeenstabbedwithaknife,orsomeothersmallandsharpblade.Ithadbeenshovedwithnearperfectprecisionbetweenherbreastsandintoherribcage—buthadmissedherheart.Itwasasthoughtheattackerhadwantedhertosuffer,toslowlybleedoutratherthandieimmediately.
Igrabbedasharprocktosliceopenmywrist.Itwasdifficultandnotveryeffective,butIpushedhard.Thepainhelpedtofocusme,agood,cleanpaincomparedtothatofmyfangscomingout.
WithincredibleeffortIpushedmywristtohermouthandsqueezedmyfist.Ihadsolittlebloodtospareasitwas—thiswouldnearlykillme.Ihadnoideaifitwouldevenwork,sincemyPowershaddeclinedwithfeedingjustonanimals.
Thump-thump
Pause.
Thump-thump
Pause.
Herheartcontinuedtoslow.
“Comeon,”Ipleadedthroughteethgrittedinpain.“Comeon.”
Thefirstfewdropsofbloodhitherlips.Shewinced,stirringslightly.Hermouthparted,desperate.
Withallmystrength,Isqueezedmywrist,literallypushingthebloodoutofmyveinandintohermouth.Whenitfinallyhithertongueshealmostgagged.
“Drink,”Iordered.“Itwillhelp.Drink.”
Sheturnedherhead.“No,”shemumbled.
Ignoringherfeebleprotests,Ishovedmywristagainsthermouth,forcingthebloodintoher.
Shegavealittlemoan,stilltryingnottoswallow.
Andthenshestoppedfighting.
Herlipscloseddownonthewoundinmywrist,andhersofttonguesoughtoutthesourceofmyblood.Shebegantosuck.
Thump-thump
Thumpthump
Thumpthumpthump.
Herheartbeatquickened.
Herhand,theoneintheblood-soakedglove,cameflutteringupweaklyandgraspedmyarm,tryingtodrawitclosertoherface.Shewantedmore.Iunderstood,butIhadnomoretoofferher.
“That’senough,”Isaid,feelingfaintmyself.Igentlydisengagedmyarmdespitehermewlingcries.Herheartwasbeatingmoreregularlynow.
“Whoareyou?Wheredoyoulive?”Iasked.
Shewhimperedandclungtome.
“Openyoureyes,”Iordered.
Shedid,onceagainrevealingherCallie-greeneyes.
“Tellmewhereyoulive,”Icompelledher,usingtheverylastremainingdropsofmyPower.
“FifthAvenue,”sheanswereddreamily.
Itriednottogrowimpatient.“Andwhat?FifthAvenueandwhat?”
“Seventy-thirdStreet…OneEastSeventy-thirdStreet…”shewhispered.
Iscoopedherup,aperfumedconfectionofsilkandgauzeandlaceandwarm,humanflesh.Hercurlsbrushedmyface,ticklingacrossmycheekandneck.Hereyeswerestillclosedandshehunglimplyinmyarms.Blood,eitherhersormine,drippeddownintothedust,threateningtodrivememadagain.
Igrittedmyteethandbegantorun.
Copyright
Stefan’sDiaries:Bloodlust
Copyright?2011byAlloyEntertainmentandL.J.Smith
AllrightsreservedunderInternationalandPan-AmericanCopyrightConventions.Bypaymentoftherequiredfees,youhavebeengrantedthenon-exclusive,non-transferablerighttoaccessandreadthetextofthise-bookon-screen.Nopartofthistextmaybereproduced,transmitted,down-loaded,decompiled,reverseengineered,orstoredinorintroducedintoanyinformationstorageandretrievalsystem,inanyformorbyanymeans,whetherelectronicormechanical,nowknownorhereinafterinvented,withouttheexpresswrittenpermissionofHarperCollinse-books.
LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailable.
ISBN978-0-06-200394-2
EPubEdition?2011ISBN:9780062043115
1112131415CG/BV10987654321
FirstEdition
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